LaFayette hardware store fire ruled arson, reward offered
Authorities believe someone deliberately started a fire outside a LaFayette business Tuesday night. A petroleum-based accelerant was discovered at the scene.
According to police Capt. Stacey Meeks, a witness saw fire coming from the southwest side of Hammond Jones Hardware, 110 North Main Street, and immediately called Walker County 911.
Two police officers arrived first and tried to control the blaze with fire extinguishers. The LaFayette Fire Department soon arrived and the blaze was quickly put out.
A brick wall blocked the flames from actually entering the store.
Detective Billy Mullis has been assigned to the case and will work with the state fire marshal.
Anyone with information or who witnessed suspicious activity about 10-11 p.m. in that area on June 20, is asked to call the Police Department at 706-639-1540. was reported at precisely midnight on Wednesday, June 21, caused minor damage to an exterior wall of the building. A city of LaFayette police officer who was first to arrive at the business is credited with helping to contain the blaze until the LaFayette Fire Department arrive on the scene.
Commissioner Hudgens asks anyone with information about this fire to call the Georgia Arson Hotline at 1-800282-5804. Rewards of up to $10,000 are given for information leading to the arrest and conviction of the person or persons responsible for the fire. Calls are taken 24 hours a day; callers can choose to remain anonymous.