In a terrifying case from Myrtle Beach, South Carolina, a 55-year-old man is accused of trying to kill his three roommates by setting their apartment on fire. The reason? They planned to move out and not renew the lease.
Jake Licoski now faces serious charges, including three counts of attempted murder and first-degree arson, after the shocking incident over the weekend.
Fire Breaks Out in the Middle of the Night
Just after midnight on August 31, emergency services rushed to an apartment complex on West Flintlike Court following a report of a building fire. Firefighters and police arrived quickly and found that the fire had been deliberately set while three people were still inside.
According to firefighters, the flames were likely started using a chemical accelerant, and the fire seemed designed to trap the victims by blocking exits like staircases and bedroom doors.
Suspect Laughs, Then Flees the Scene
When firefighters and police approached a nearby car believed to be connected to the fire, the driver – later identified as Jake Licoski – allegedly laughed and drove off instead of answering questions.
This triggered a search across the area. Eventually, police located the car and gave chase. The pursuit ended in a crash, and Licoski was taken to a nearby hospital for treatment before being booked into jail.
Victims Reveal Possible Motive
One of the victims, a female roommate, told police that the three roommates had decided not to renew the lease and planned to move out soon. Licoski, who had no place to go, was reportedly very upset by their decision.
She added that on the night of the fire, she smelled gasoline while in her room. As she went downstairs, the smell got stronger. That’s when she saw someone lighting the gasoline on fire just as they closed the door.
Fire Set to Trap the Roommates
According to fire officials, the blaze clearly showed signs of an accelerant being used. The gasoline was poured in front of the victims’ bedroom doors and on both sets of stairs, indicating a calculated attempt to trap the victims inside.
To escape, all three roommates had to jump out of their bedroom windows. Thankfully, they survived, but the trauma and danger they faced were extreme.
Licoski in Custody Without Bond
Jake Licoski was arrested and taken to the J. Reuben Long Detention Center, where he remains without bond. In addition to the attempted murder and arson charges, he also faces charges for failing to stop for police and transporting a vehicle with a broken seal.
This disturbing case is a chilling reminder of how quickly anger and desperation can lead to dangerous and violent acts. What began as a housing disagreement ended in a near-deadly situation that could have claimed multiple lives.
Authorities acted swiftly to prevent further harm, and now the legal process will determine the consequences for Licoski’s alleged actions.
