posted March 6, 2006
For the second time in less than two weeks, fire has left a local family homeless.
The first fire occurred on Feb. 24 at 3505 Tacoma Avenue in Red Bank. Janet Waatti, 49, and her family all escaped the blaze unharmed, but their home was destroyed. Red Bank fire officials said the fire was started by an unattended candle and ruled accidental.
Ms. Waatti and her family were in the process of moving into a duplex at 944 East Elmwood Drive Monday when they were reportedly threatened by a male resident in the A-side of the duplex. Dauris M. Jones, 25, reportedly told Ms. Waatti and other members of her family that he was going to "set the place on fire."
Minutes later, shortly after 6 p.m., they could smell smoke coming from Jones' apartment.
Waatti family members were carrying out the belongings they had just moved in when Chattanooga firefighters arrived on the scene. Capt. Mike Gasaway with Quint 17 said the firefighters quickly entered Jones's apartment and contained the fire to a back bedroom. Capt. Gasaway estimated the damages at around $3,000.
One member of the family, Kathy French, 44, appeared to be suffering from smoke inhalation. The firefighters provided oxygen to Ms. French before handing her over to paramedics with Hamilton County EMS. The county ambulance service transported Ms. French to a local hospital, but her injuries were not thought to be life-threatening. No other injuries were reported.
While firefighters and EMS personnel were busy with the fire, Karl Fields, a patrol officer with the Chattanooga Police Department, found Jones behind the duplex, sitting on the ground and watching emergency personnel doing their jobs. Not long after being questioned, Jones admitted to setting the fire, though a motive could not be determined on the scene.
Senior Firefighter Henry McElvain with the Fire Investigation Division said Jones would be charged with aggravated arson. Police took Jones to the County Jail for booking.
Several eyewitnesses on the scene, including the owner of the duplex, told investigators that Jones had been a recent patient at the Fortwood Center.
Other Breaking News
- Fire Quickly Extinguished At Gateway Towers
- PHOTOS: Tea Party Protest
- Fires Break Out On Dodson Avenue, Near Cameron Hill
- Dade County Escapee Turns Himself In
- City Council Agenda For Tuesday Night
- Collegedale Man Arrested After Getting 15 Pounds Of Marijuana In The Mail
- Federal Appeals Court Upholds State's Death By Legal Injection
- Signal Mountain Math Teacher Facing Charges
- Judges Say Truancy Is Related To Low Reading Scores
- Robbers Get Cash, Pants From Cab Driver In Alton Park
- Derek Birt Added To Sheriff’s 12 Most List
- Forrester Says Robin Smith Has "Blood On Her Hands"
- Firefighters Battle Late Night Fire On Missionary Ridge
| Dining Out | Business | Movies | Focus | About Us |
| Church | Living Well | Memories | Outdoors | Real Estate | Student Scene | Travel |
