Police: Lebanon law office with propane tank targeted in arson attempt. Arrest made

A prominent Lebanon law office with a nearby propane tank was targeted in an apparent arson attempt last week and investigators have identified a suspect in connection with the incident, according to police documents.

Jerry T. Tramel, 44, is charged with arson and vandalism $60,000-$250,000 after the Aug. 13 fire at the Kane & Crowell law office on South College Street.

Investigators found items believed to be flammable on the property, in close proximity to the large propane tank that sits next to the law office building, according to police reports.

"Any fire involving a propane tank nearby is always a huge concern for bystanders and first responders," said Lebanon Fire Marshal Edward Felts. “The potential always exists for … a boiling liquid expanding vapor explosion.

“Luckily the fire was extinguished very quickly thanks to a passerby driving by, seeing the fire and calling 911 and our Station 1 having a very fast response time.”

An affidavit said the suspect was caught on surveillance video lighting and throwing an unknown object on the office roof early Tuesday morning. No one was in the building at the time of the fire, and no injuries were reported.

A red industrial grease was found inside a glove the suspect was using and other items were found consistent with a person intending to carry out arson, the affidavit reads.

Police reports also say different bottles in bags and other items were found at the property, including an unknown liquid, "consistent in smell and appearance to gasoline or similar liquid.

“The red-jelly like substance appeared consistent with red-lithium grease,” the police report added.

Most types of red lithium grease are not flammable but will support combustion and keep a fire burning, Felts said.

The fire knocked out internet, phones and part of the building’s power, according to a representative with Kane & Crowell.

Part of the south side exterior of the building near the propane tank is charred.

The building was closed Tuesday after the fire, but reopened the same week.

The suspect, who was arrested Wednesday, is being held in the Wilson County jail on $165,000 bond, according to jail records.

Reach Andy Humbles at ahumbles@tennessean.com or 615-726-5939 and on X, formerly known as Twitter @ AndyHumbles.

This article originally appeared on Nashville Tennessean: Police: Lebanon law office with propane tank targeted in arson attempt. Arrest made