Executive Summary
- David Gibson, 43, has been charged with reckless arson following a three-alarm fire in north Houston.
- The fire destroyed a vacant church building recently purchased by TxDOT for the I-45 expansion project.
- Court records allege Gibson started the fire to keep warm while sheltering inside the empty structure.
- Over 100 firefighters responded to the scene; no injuries were reported.
A 43-year-old man has been charged with reckless arson in connection with a three-alarm fire that destroyed a vacant church building in north Houston earlier this week, according to court documents filed on Wednesday. Authorities identified the suspect as David Gibson, who was taken into custody on Tuesday following the blaze.
The Houston Fire Department reported that at least 100 firefighters responded to the 5600 block of the North Freeway on Monday as the fire intensified. According to official reports, the structure, formerly known as “Centro Cristiano,” was completely engulfed in flames and smoke. Fire crews worked extensively to clear the building and protect adjacent properties, and officials confirmed that no injuries or fatalities resulted from the incident.
Court records state that Gibson, who is identified as homeless, was inside the vacant structure at the time of the fire. Allegedly, Gibson started a fire in an attempt to keep warm, but the flames quickly spread out of control, creating smoke conditions described in the charging documents as “unbearable.”
The property involved in the fire has significant ties to ongoing infrastructure development. Assistant Pastor Benjamin Cowpersmith told local reporters that the building had been purchased by the Texas Department of Transportation (TxDOT) in April 2025 in conjunction with the Interstate 45 expansion project. The church had stood on the site for nearly 24 years before being acquired by the state.
Investigative Outlook
This incident underscores the complex safety challenges associated with maintaining vacant properties acquired for large-scale public works projects like the I-45 expansion. Securing such sites against unauthorized access is critical to preventing accidental hazards, particularly during extreme weather when individuals may seek shelter. Legally, the classification of the charge as “reckless” arson suggests that prosecutors are focusing on the negligence involved in the act rather than malicious intent to destroy property. It is important to note that David Gibson is presumed innocent of all charges until proven guilty in a court of law.
