A 29-year-old woman is facing an aggravated arson charge after police say she set several small fires in the breezeway of a Nashville apartment complex. Staff at the property managed to douse the flames and hold the suspect until officers arrived. No injuries were reported, but there was some damage to the building.
How Police Say It Happened
According to WSMV, Metro Nashville Police were called to City Vue @5101 on Linbar Drive just before 1 p.m. Thursday after staff reported multiple small fires in a breezeway. Witnesses told officers the suspect, identified in arrest papers as Lofiann Richard, used paper, bottles of lighter fluid and a lighter to spark the blazes. The arrest affidavit notes that staff put the fires out quickly, though they still caused some damage to the building.
Detained by Staff and Alleged Motive
Apartment staff detained Richard before police got to the scene. When officers interviewed her, the 29-year-old allegedly admitted to setting the fires "as a form of retaliation," according to the arrest affidavit, per WSMV. Investigators documented the scene and booked her on a charge of aggravated arson. No injuries have been reported.
Charges and Legal Context
Aggravated arson is defined as a serious offense under Tennessee law and is classified as a Class A felony when a fire puts people at risk or causes serious injury, according to Tennessee Code § 39-14-302. The statute applies when fires are set while people are present or when firefighters or officers suffer serious bodily injury. Prosecutors are expected to evaluate the affidavit, witness statements and damage assessments as the case moves through the criminal process.
About the Complex
City Vue @5101 is a multiunit rental complex at 5101 Linbar Drive in the 37211 ZIP code. Online listings describe one- and two-bedroom units with management by Volunteer Properties, per Zumper. Mapping pages place the complex off Harding Place in outer southeast Nashville.
What Comes Next
The arrest affidavit and booking record start a criminal case that will move into arraignment and later court dates in Davidson County. Local news outlets and official Metro Nashville channels are expected to provide updates as prosecutors and investigators release more information.
