American University Professor Awaits Trial in Jail

An American University professor is accused of setting multiple fires and breaking into a shopping center.

The Washington Post reports that David W. Pitts, 37, was under Montgomery County surveillance for a burglary warrant linked to a pharmacy break-in. Pitts denied the charges, according to the Post.

Pitts lives in an apartment two blocks away from American University above a shopping center on New Mexico Avenue NW.

Police say they spotted Pitts allegedly setting a chair on fire around 1 a.m. Sept. 4 in his apartment complex’s parking garage. The arrest affidavit also indicated that Pitts then allegedly lit a newspaper on fire in front of a Starbucks at the Foxhall Square shopping center, according to the Post. Then he allegedly lit a fire in the woods along Embassy Park Drive.

During the hearing, D.C. Detective Joseph Belfiore testified that Pitts then allegedly forced his way into the shopping mall carrying a tan bag. Inside contained newspapers and a container of unidentified brown liquid, the Post reports. Police also found rubber gloves, two lighters and long-handled matches on Pitts.

A chase from the third floor of the shopping mall to the apartment complex’s parking garage ensued after officers contacted District police, according to the Post.

Belfiore told the Post that Pitts denies setting fires and breaking into the shopping mall. Pitts says he was picking up documents in psychiatrist’s office in the shopping mall at 3 a.m.

According to a psychologist called to testify on Pitts’ behalf, Pitts’ medical records reveal that he has a history of social anxiety phobia and attention-deficit disorder. The records showed that Pitts was on multiple medications.

The psychologist said that mixing alcohol and sleep deprivation with the medications could cause blackouts and uncontrolled behavior.

Also, police say they discovered more than 5,000 pills and blank prescription pads in a search of Pitts’ apartment.

Assistant U.S. Attorney Brittain Shaw confirmed that about 2,300 of the pills were Adderall.

Pitts is not charged with any drug-related crimes.

D.C. Superior Court Magistrate Judge Frederick J. Sullivan ruled for Pitts to await trial in jail.

Photo Credit: AmericanUniversity.com