Purdue students react to arson arrest

WEST LAFAYETTE, Ind. (WLFI) - A member of the Purdue Student Security Patrol who called in the fires at Elliott Hall of Music at Purdue is now behind bars.

Hundreds of students taking an exam were evacuated after two fires were set in the basement of Elliott Hall Monday. Sophomore Isaiah T. Peedin, 22, was working there that night for the Purdue Student Security Patrol. He alerted police to the situation. He also helped officers develop this sketch of the man he said he saw run from the fires. Now he's in jail, arrested for arson and perjury. Students on campus are stunned to hear someone who is suppose to keep them safe, put them in jeopardy.

"That makes me worried that people have jobs like that to keep us safe and it shows you can't trust everyone in the safety department," said Purdue freshman Megan Hershey.

"That's a little shocking in the end. I didn't expect that to happen," said Purdue freshman Ryan Nobis.

"It's good they have some walking around, but if it's the person who set the fire, that's a reason to think twice," said Purdue sophomore Maddie Gibbs.

Others are just glad the mystery arsonist may have been caught.

"I think that's kind of scary. I think it was good he reported it and he let people know so no one got hurt. I think it was probably something he did for attention. I'm glad everyone is o.k.," said Purdue sophomore Michael Marenick.

Some expressed frustration that someone would create panic during an already stressful situation--a Calculus exam.

"Obviously everyone was freaking out because they thought they were in danger. That guy was being a complete idiot," said Hershey.

"I felt bad for the kids taking the exam because they'll have to retake it. A lot of my friends were the ones taking the exam and were really upset," said Nobis.

Purdue Police Chief John Cox said his department is reviewing the Student Security Patrol program after this incident to see if changes are needed.

Purdue Spokesperson Jeanne Norberg says the university began using student security patrols for surveillance during exams at Elliott Hall this fall. The patrols were added because Elliott Hall does not have a fire alarm system. The systems were not available when the Elliott Hall was built in 1940's.