A 36-year-old man is behind bars after a middle-of-the-night domestic disturbance in North Nashville allegedly turned into an attempt to set an apartment on fire. Cordarious Knox is charged with attempted aggravated arson, and the story police tell involves a threat, a trip to a gas station, and a bottle of gasoline. Knox disputes part of that account.
Metro Nashville police were dispatched to the 2300 block of 26th Avenue North shortly before 1:15 a.m. on Monday, according to WKRN News 2, for a report of a domestic disturbance involving an alleged attempt to light an apartment on fire. The victim told law enforcement that Knox had been gone for more than 24 hours before he came home and tried to cause a disturbance.
A Threat, Then a Return With Gasoline
The affidavit states that during an argument, Knox said, “I am going to burn this place down,” and then left the residence. He reportedly came back carrying a bottle of gasoline. The victim accused him of pouring gasoline under the door and attempting to light it, and said she took a water bottle filled with gas from his hand.
Authorities smelled gas at the scene, per the court documents. Officers also reportedly found a lighter in Knox's pocket when they searched him. Camera footage described in the documents shows Knox approaching the building with a full bottle, leaving the frame, and then returning with the same bottle holding less liquid.
What Knox Told Police
Knox gave a different account of the night. He told police he argued with the victim, walked to a corner gas station, and came back, according to the affidavit. He admitted carrying a water bottle full of gasoline but denied pouring it under the door.
Investigators leaned on the gas smell, the footage, and his own admission to establish probable cause for the arrest, the court documents state. The records do not say whether the gasoline ignited, whether the apartment was damaged, or whether anyone was hurt.
The affidavit also notes that more than 10 people besides the victim were inside the apartment. Those occupants refused to identify themselves or be listed as victims in the report.
Charge, Bond, and Court Date
Knox was charged with attempted aggravated arson and assigned a $50,000 bond. He is set to appear in court on Wednesday.
Under Tennessee Code § 39-14-302, a person commits aggravated arson when arson is committed while one or more people are present, or when someone suffers serious bodily injury. The statute classifies aggravated arson as a Class A felony. Knox has been arrested and charged, but the allegations have not been tested in court.
Anyone experiencing domestic violence can reach the National Domestic Violence Hotline at 1-800-799-7233.
