Texas Krispy Kreme Owner Arrested for Setting Fire to His Own Shop

COLLEGE STATION, TX – A Texas Krispy Kreme owner has been arrested for allegedly setting fire to his own doughnut shop in College Station.

Brian Keith Davis, 54, of Katy, who owns the College Station location, was taken into custody after an 11-week investigation led by the College Station Fire Marshal’s Office and the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives (ATF).

The fire marshal’s office announced Davis’ arrest, noting the involvement of the State Fire Marshal’s Accelerant Detection Canine Unit and the College Station Police in the investigation.

Harris County Constable Precinct 5 assisted in apprehending and booking Davis in Harris County this Thursday afternoon.

It was reported that racially insensitive messages were also discovered spray-painted on the outside of the building after the fire. Officials have stated that the case is not being investigated as a racially motivated incident.

“I am proud of the work done by the CSFD Fire Marshal’s Office and appreciate the support and collaboration from the ATF,” said Fire Chief Richard Mann. “Their cooperation and teamwork were instrumental in getting a criminal off the streets who completely disregarded the risk posed to the community and firefighters from an intentional act of arson.”

The incident was first reported in the early hours of May 13 when a fire broke out around 2 a.m., with witnesses hearing a loud boom and seeing the building engulfed in flames. The building was declared a total loss and "accelerants" were located at the scene. 

The investigation remains ongoing.