Cheryl Lynn Hale
Chattanooga fire investigators arrested a local woman for aggravated arson early Saturday.
The incident began around 5 a.m. at 1929 Sherman St. Captain Anthony Moore with the Fire Investigation Division said a woman often came to visit the residents at that location, and was even allowed to sleep on the front porch.
Unfortunately, the woman liked to start fires, authorities said. Captain Moore said the residents chastised the woman for trying to start some fires earlier, even trying to burn an American flag. However, fire officials said on early Saturday, 45-year-old Cheryl Lynn Hale started a fire in a trash can on the porch. This time the fire grew quickly. One of the residents discovered the fire, and after failing to get it out, called 911.
Chattanooga firefighters responded to the scene and quickly got the fire out, keeping it from spreading into the house. Captain Moore said the damage to the house was minimal and no one was injured.
Chattanooga police had Ms. Hale in custody when Captain Moore arrived on the scene. After charging her with aggravated arson, she was transported by Chattanooga Police to the county jail for booking.