21-year-old man arrested, charged with arson following commercial building fire on Rossville Avenue

Chattanooga, TN – According to the statement, on August 4, 2024, at 9:20 p.m., Chattanooga Police and Chattanooga Fire Department responded to a commercial building fire in the 1800 block of Rossville Avenue.

Upon arrival, officers found the building ablaze and secured the scene.

CFD’s Engine #5, Ladder #5, Engine #3, Squad #20, Engine #9, Engine #4, Squad #1, Engine #14, Battalion #1, and Battalion #2 all responded to the emergency. Engine #5 and Ladder #5 were first on the scene and reported smoke visible from both the front and rear of the building.

Firefighters quickly stretched hand lines into the structure and managed to swiftly knock down the fire. The damage was contained to a single business, though several neighboring buildings sustained smoke damage. Fortunately, no injuries were reported.

During the preliminary investigation, bystanders informed officers that they had seen a person checking the doors of the businesses before the fire started. Officers obtained video surveillance showing a suspect inside the business prior to the fire.

This suspect’s description was disseminated to all officers in the vicinity. Soon after, officers located a person matching the description walking on East 10th Street.

CFD’s Arson Investigators were called to the scene to assist with the investigation. Chattanooga Police Department and Chattanooga Fire Department obtained arrest warrants for 21-year-old Michael Potter, charging him with arson, burglary of a business, and vandalism. Potter was transported to Hamilton County Jail and Detention Center.

This information is preliminary and subject to change as the investigation continues. Chattanooga Police ask anyone with information regarding this incident to call 423-698-2525.