Authorities File Charges Against Student for Taylor University Dorm Fire

The Allen County Prosecutor's Office has filed charges against a student on the Fort Wayne campus of Taylor University, announced the university on Friday.

The Allen County Prosecutor's Office has filed charges against a student on the Fort Wayne campus of Taylor University, announced the university on Friday.

According to the evangelical Christian college, the charges stem from a fire that seriously damaged Schultz Residence Hall on Oct. 8.

“Because this is an ongoing and pending criminal prosecution, the University cannot give further comment,” said Mr. Michael Blickman, the university’s legal counsel, in a released statement.

“The University continues to invite the community to pray for the Taylor Fort Wayne family during this difficult time,” he added.

At 5:45 a.m., on Oct. 8, a fire in Schultz Hall was discovered by the campus safety officer on duty. Of the 35 male residents, 22 were in the residence hall at the time of the fire – all of which were evacuated safely.

The Fort Wayne Fire Department was successful in extinguishing the fire and following the incident was not immediately able to determine the cause of the fire.

Since then Taylor University has taken direction from and has fully cooperated with law enforcement authorities in their investigation pertaining to the Schultz Hall fire, Blickman reported.

“We continue to be grateful that all residents escaped unharmed from the fire and the University continues to assist students in coping with the situation,” the legal counsel expressed in Friday’s released statement. “We are also grateful to the Taylor Campus Safety Department and to the Fort Wayne Police and Fire Departments for their diligent response to this situation.”

Following the fire, three men that resided in Schultz Hall were relocated to Founders Apartment, 15 to Hausser Hall, three in the Clyde Taylor House, the remaining 15 are residing in Oakwood Apartments.