BURLINGTON, IOWA – This Iowa man badly wanted inside an apartment, police say, relentlessly pounding on the door, and when that didn’t work, his superior intellect deduced that fire might eradicate the door standing in his way – but police arrived and his fortunes turned cold.
On October 12, 2025, at approximately 7:13 PM, Burlington, Iowa police officers responded to a report of a domestic disturbance at 314 N. Gunnison Street, Apartment 3. Upon arrival, officers spoke with the resident, who reported that a suspect, Michael Horton (pictured at top), was intoxicated and pounding on the apartment door. While Horton was striking the door, the resident observed smoke coming from the area of the door. Officers noted a burn mark around the doorknob, which had been extinguished by a neighbor prior to their arrival.
Horton was later located outside the residence. During contact, officers observed signs of intoxication and found Horton to be in possession of two lighters. Horton was placed under arrest and transported to the Des Moines County Jail. While at the jail, a bag containing marijuana was found in his pocket.
Michael Horton was charged with the following crimes:
• Arson, 1st Degree — Class C Felony
• Possession of Contraband in a Correctional Facility — Class D Felony
• Public Intoxication
Horton is being held at the Des Moines County Jail on bond.