Islamic leaders ask that charge be dropped against accused arsonist

Leaders of a south Houston Islamic religious complex targeted by an alleged arsonist Friday asked authorities not to pursue prosecution against the 56-year-old homeless man accused of igniting the blaze.

The Harris County District Attorney's office responded that it will consider the request from the Quba Islamic Center, but that, at present, the first-degree felony charge against Darryl Ferguson will remain in place.

"The investigation is ongoing," said DA spokesman Jeff McShan. "No final decisions have been made and will not be made over the weekend."

Ferguson is accused of setting a 3,000-foot building in the religious complex ablaze on Feb. 13. The center is at 730 FM 1959.