KALAMAZOO, Mich. — The man who allegedly burned down the Hollywood Nights adult entertainment store Wednesday did it to destroy pornography, according to Kalamazoo Public Safety Chief Jeff Hadley.

The S. Westnedge store caught on fire just before 5 p.m. Wednesday. The building was considered a total loss after crews contained the blaze.

Witnesses observed the suspect near the fire and saw him attempting to hide an ax in a dumpster, officials at the scene said. When he was confronted by police, he fled in a vehicle and was arrested after a brief chase.

The suspect will be identified pending formal arraignment. He’s expected to be charged Friday, Hadley said.