Iowa City man charged with arson after trying to scare girlfriend

An Iowa City man faces a first-degree arson charge after authorities say he was involved in a fire in his mobile home park.

Donald Truitt, 43, was arrested Monday in connection with a fire at his mobile home, No. 35 in Sunrise Mobile Home Village, 2100 Scott Blvd.

Johnson County deputies said on July 18, Truitt put charcoal lighter fluid in the windows of his girlfriend's bedroom - the same address as Truitt's residence - the morning of the fire in an effort to scare her. He also left a written note stating “If I can't have you, nobody will.”

After an investigation, Truitt admitted to the putting the combustible material in the windows, authorities said.

He is being held at the Johnson County Jail.

First-degree arson is a Class B felony punishable by up to 25 years in prison.