Nashville Fire Department Fire Investigators in conjunction with Metro Nashville Police Department Detectives charged Pardrae Gooch,37, for Aggravated Arson in connection with a fire set at S Fashion Clothing Store, located at 4702B Nolensville Pike on May 29,2024.
NFD Fire Investigators responded to the store following a fire at the business. Investigators spoke with an employee who said Gooch robbed the store, assaulted the employee.
During the robbery and attack the employee was knocked unconscious. Prior to the attack nothing was on fire and Fire Investigators ruled out other possible accidental causes of the fire and determined it was intentionally set.
MNPD Detectives reviewed surveillance video from the store and were able to identify the suspect as Gooch. The victim also identified the suspect from the video as the man who attacked her.
The fire damaged merchandise as well as parts of the restroom where the merchandise was stored.
Gooch is currently in the Davidson County Jail on $100,000 bond for the Aggravated Arson charge, however he is facing multiple other charges related to the robbery and damage caused by the fire.
Gooch’s charges reflect the severity of not just the arson, but the fact he set the fire while the employee was still in the building.
Gooch is scheduled to appear in court on June 7, 2024, at 12:35 p.m.
Remember, if you have information about an arson, call the Nashville Fire Department Arson Hotline at 615-862-5640.
You can also call the Tennessee Arson Hotline at 1-800-762-3017.
The hotline is answered 24 hours a day. You can remain anonymous when providing information.
Cash rewards up to $5,000 are paid for information leading to an arrest or conviction.
The crime of arson is one of the costliest human-made disasters. Arson indirectly contributes to increased insurance premiums, higher medical costs, lost jobs, lost income, and the increased costs of fire services.
The NFD needs your help to combat this serious crime.
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