10/24/2007

Chattanooga firefighters responded to a small fire at Patton Towers early this afternoon.  The fire was discovered around 1:30 p.m. when the fire alarm activated in an apartment on the 6th floor.  Captain Phil Hyman with Squad 1 said that employees with Patton Towers had already put the small fire out with a portable fire extinguisher before firefighters arrived.  No injuries were reported and Capt. Hyman said damage to the apartment was minimal.

The cause of the fire appeared to be suspicious in origin, so fire investigators were called to the scene.  After a very quick investigation, Lieutenant Anthony Moore with the Fire Investigation Division charged Richard Griffin (47) with Aggravated Arson and Reckless Endangerment.  Lt. Moore said Mr. Griffin set a towel on fire in his bathroom, and then left his apartment to attend a worship service that was reportedly being held on a lower floor. 

Lt. Moore said Mr. Griffin did not confess to the crime, but all the evidence points in his direction.  At approximately 3:00 p.m. today, Chattanooga police officers transported Mr. Griffin to the county jail for booking.  Lt. Henry McElvain with the Fire Investigation Division assisted with the investigation.

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