Memphis Police Arrest Woman for Setting Fires in Midtown
In a shocking turn of events this past Monday morning in Memphis, a woman has been arrested after being accused of setting multiple fires that caused significant damage to property. The incident has sent ripples through the Midtown community as residents grapple with the aftermath of the mayhem.
According to investigators from the Memphis Fire Department, the suspect, a 35-year-old woman, allegedly ignited a series of blazes that targeted not only vehicles but also buildings in the area. Her destructive spree began in the 600 block of Philadelphia Avenue, where she reportedly set fire to nine minivans parked nearby and a storage building. The chaos did not stop there, as the flames also managed to damage a fence in the vicinity. The total loss from this specific incident has been estimated at nearly $44,000.
Heroic Bystander Steps In
Samuel Franklin, a passerby, witnessed one of the car fires while driving down Union Avenue around 7:00 a.m. โI saw flames coming from the back of a silver Toyota parked at the strip mall,โ he recounted. โI pulled over at 1500 Union Avenue and called the Memphis Fire Department to let them know what was happening.โ
Franklinโs quick thinking proved essential. As firefighters arrived to extinguish the flames on the car, another concerned citizen alerted them to smoke billowing from the rear of the shopping center. This fire resulted in approximately $35,000 worth of damage to vehicles parked on the property.
A Pattern of Destruction
But wait, thereโs more! Police revealed that this wasnโt the end of the womanโs fiery antics. She is also believed to have set towels and grass ablaze at a location on East Parkway and made an alarming attempt to ignite some gas pumps at a gas station located in the 2200 block of Union Avenue.
The owners of United Food & Fuel described how they werenโt present during the incident but received a call after the woman entered their store. It was reported that she grabbed a lighter and some charcoal before heading back outside. Thankfully, she was unable to ignite anything, prompting the store owners to contact the authorities.
Arrest and Charges
In a turn of events, police apprehended the suspect shortly after these incidents. Although her identity has not been disclosed to the public, it was confirmed that she was transported to Regional One Medical Center for evaluation. She now faces serious arson charges, which could lead to significant legal repercussions if she is convicted.
The total damage caused by this dangerous series of events is staggering, estimated to be nearing $100,000. As the community comes to terms with the destruction, local residents and businesses are left to pick up the pieces, hoping for a swift recovery.
Fire officials are urging anyone with information about the fires or similar incidents to come forward. They emphasized the importance of vigilance in the community and thanked the quick-thinking individuals who stepped in to assist during this chaotic situation.
This incident serves as a stark reminder of the potential dangers that can arise in unexpected moments. As Memphis residents reflect on the events of Monday, it is crucial to focus on community strength and safety, reminding each other that together, we can overcome adversity.
Author: STAFF HERE MEMPHIS WRITER
The MEMPHIS STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HEREMemphis.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Memphis, Shelby County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the areaโwith deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as Beale Street Music Festival, Elvis Week, and Memphis in May International Festival. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Greater Memphis Chamber and the Memphis Convention & Visitors Bureau, plus leading businesses in logistics, healthcare, and music that power the local economy such as FedEx, St. Jude Children's Research Hospital, and AutoZone. As part of the broader HERE network, including HEREBristol.com, HEREChattanooga.com, HEREKnoxville.com, and HERENashville.com, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into Tennessee's dynamic landscape.
