The University of Kentucky Police Department arrested 31-year-old Santosh Sharma for second-degree arson on Thursday, July 24, in connection with an on-campus vehicle fire.

On July 6, UKPD issued a campus crime bulletin via email regarding a vehicle fire. According to UKPD, the vehicle involved in the incident was a UK police car.

UKPD confirmed that no one was injured in the fire, which occurred in a parking lot near Linden Walk.

Campus camera footage allowed them to “quickly identify” Sharma, according to UKPD strategic communications director Dani Jaffe.

In 2023, Sharma pleaded guilty to attempting arson at the Mary Todd Lincoln House, where he was caught pouring gasoline on the building, according to WKYT.

According to UKPD, the vehicle was found with two lighter fluid bottles beside it, leading officials to believe the fire was a targeted attack given Sharma’s criminal history. 

“He (Sharma) has been a suspect in other arsons or attempted arsons previously, so we felt like we were targeted,” UKPD Chief Joe Monore said to WKYT.

UKPD said the camera footage, combined with Sharma’s prior conviction, prompted police to take the incident seriously.

UKPD emphasized its commitment to campus safety in light of the incident, citing recently implemented safety and security efforts, including “additional patrols, temporary lighting and new partnerships.”

“Safety is our number one priority,” Jaffe said. “UKPD is continually monitoring trends and implementing strategies to ensure the safety of our students, faculty and staff.”