Gym owner charged with murder in death of S.A. firefighter Scott Deem

A San Antonio gym owner has been arrested in connection with a blaze that killed a firefighter and severely injured another.

Emond Johnson, 39, was arrested Wednesday morning on one charge of murder, two arson charges and two additional charges of arson causing bodily injury.

Officials allege he set fire to his own gym, Spartan Box, on May 18, as a way of getting out of his lease because he owned almost $7,000 in rent for the property. According to an affidavit, he admitted to using a lighter to set fire to a mixture of gasoline and oil inside the building.

Firefighter Scott Deem was killed in the blaze at the Ingram Square Shopping Center and Brad Phipps was severely injured.

"There is not a member of this organization who has not shed a tear because of the culmination of his," Fire Chief Charles Hood said.

RELATED: Man charged in death of S.A. firefighter started crowdfunding page for gym he's accused of burning down

When the fire broke out, firefighters entered the shopping center looking for people needing to be saved, Hood said. 

"Ironically, the person they went in to rescue looks like the person that committed this fire," Hood said, adding, ""That does cause some anger within our organization."

Deem, Phipps and other firefighters who entered Spartan Box reported zero visibility and zero ventilation, according to recordings of scanner traffic, and a commander ordered all firefighters out of the building.

Soon after, a mayday was called over the radio.

RELATED: Affidavit: Gym owner describes how he used lighter to set fatal fire in S.A. shopping center

Emotions ran high for firefighters Wednesday. Many hugged each other and teared up before the start of a press conference.

Deem left behind three kids, one of whom was born after his death.

"(Deem) was a tremendous young man," Hood said. "A lot of times you don't realize those things about someone until they're gone."

Phipps suffered severe burns and is still recovering from his injuries.

"This guy iss going to come back and get on a fire truck," Hood said as his voice quivered. "He's strong."

Firefighter Robert Vasquez is expected to make a full recovery.

Bexar County District Attorney Nico LaHood said his office is "laser-focused" on prosecuting the case, but declined elaborating on any specific questions about the investigation.

VIDEO: Firefighter injured in blaze that killed Scott Deem returns home after months in hospital

Less than a day after the fire, Johnson set up a crowdfunding page to raise money for his gym. He was interviewed by media and spoke with investigators several times.

According to his arrest warrant, those investigators continuously poked holes in his story about that night until he confessed on Wednesday.

While the tragic incident left firefighters upset, Hood said the mission of protecting their community and their loved ones remains the same for firefighters.

"There's no doubt about the courage, physical abilities, strength and resiliency of this organization," Hood said.

fsabawi@mysa.com | Twitter: @FaresInSA | Staff writers Kelsey Bradshaw and Caleb Downs contributed to this report