Authorities in Smyrna are on the hunt for an arson suspect after a car was set ablaze on July 4 in the parking lot of Gold's Gym on South Lowry Street. The Smyrna Fire Department has shared surveillance footage with the public, showcasing the perpetrator arriving in a black vehicle, forcibly entering another car by breaking the driver's side window, and lighting what appears to be a firework inside, causing an explosive inferno that left the vehicle in ruins.
The deliberate act, caught on camera, has prompted an investigation with officials eager to track down the individual or individuals responsible for the destruction. In a video released by the Smyrna Fire Department, the suspect can be seen, and this video is considered a crucial piece of evidence in the ongoing inquiry, “If anyone recognizes this suspect or has any further information, please contact Captain Scott Byers at 615-459-9735 ext. 7406 or the Smyrna Police Department at 615-459-6644,” stated the Smyrna Fire Department – a report further confirmed by WSMV.
While the motive behind the arson remains unclear, the Smyrna Police Department is actively reaching out to the community for assistance. Captain Scott Byers is the main point of contact for anyone who may have information about this crime. The fire, which rapidly consumed the vehicle, also poses questions about public safety and the misuse of fireworks in urban areas. In an effort to encourage public engagement and tips, the Tennessee Arson hotline is offering a reward of up to $5,000 for information leading to the arrest of the arsonist. This information was disseminated through local media outlets, including WKRN, which shared "Additionally, the Tennessee Arson hotline 1-800-762-3017 pays up to $5,000 for any tip leading to the arrest of an arsonist."
Those wishing to remain anonymous can still contribute by reaching out to the Tennessee Arson hotline and potentially claim the offered reward if their tips result in an arrest – as reported by FOX17.
