An Iowa City man has pleaded not guilty to first-degree arson, according to court records.

On Feb. 20, Cary Smith, 21, allegedly set a coat on fire outside a woman’s apartment.

According to police, the woman heard noises outside her door and saw light flickering outside the door frame.

Smith was allegedly seen running from the door when the victim looked out her peep hole.

The victim then reportedly opened a door to find a coat Smith had been wearing earlier in the day set on fire. She used a fire extinguisher to douse the flames, police records show.

Smith and his attorneys entered the plea after a written arraignment was filed.

— by Sam Lane