Peedin's arrest "completely unexpected"

WEST LAFAYETTE, Ind.(WLFI) - Members of the Purdue Police Department are trying to answer a tough question: why would someone in their Student Patrol Program start two fires on campus while on fire surveillance patrol?

Purdue Police Chief John Cox said the fire and arrest this week at Elliott Hall of Music surprised the department.

"It is one of those things that is completely out of control and completely unexpected," said Cox.

Purdue University Student Patrol Officer Isaiah Peedin was on security patrol in the building, where 900 students were taking a calculus exam at the time of the fires. Elliott Hall does not have a modern fire alarm system, so fire personnel and student security patrollers keep the building under surveillance during evening exams and other events.

Peedin allegedly told police he saw someone leaving the area after the fires started. Police said Peedin even gave a description of the individual, allowing the police to create a composite sketch.

One day later Peedin allegedly admitted he was the one who started the fires.

Chief Cox said Peedin's actions do not reflect the university or the Student Patrol program. However, he said that the incident was being taken seriously and does mean that some procedures and policies will be reviewed.

"It does not mean that we'll chalk it up to just, 'Oh, one of those things.' We will go back and take a look at our program to make sure that all of our i's were dotted and our t's are crossed," said Chief Cox.

Chief Cox said Peedin was a good employee who had also worked as security for Purdue Football games. Peedin had passed an extensive background check and interview process before becoming part of the patrol.

Cox was at a loss to explain what may have motivated Peedin to start the fires.

"I don't know what the reasons are behind it, but I can tell you that he's not the first student that we've been involved with over the years that has made bad choices and now will suffer the consequences, probably for the rest of his life," said Cox.

Isaiah Peedin is still in the Tippecanoe County Jail, on a preliminary charge of arson.