Arson, Burglary Investigation Underway in Swainsboro

ATLANTA – Insurance and Safety Fire Commissioner John F. King announced today that an automotive shop fire in Swainsboro is being investigated by state and local authorities as both an arson and a burglary. The fire occurred around 4:00 a.m. on Wednesday, December 9, at Rusty’s Nut Garage in Emanuel County.

“When the Swainsboro Fire Department arrived on the scene, they discovered two points of origin inside the building,” said Commissioner King. “Further work by state investigators found a worktable and trash can that had been melted by the fire. In addition to this arson case, the Swainsboro Police Department has opened a burglary investigation following the theft of automotive tools and keys.”

At this time, the Swainsboro Fire Department, the Swainsboro Police Department, and Commissioner King’s State Fire Investigations Unit are collaborating on this fire at 405 South Main Street. Investigators do not have any leads, but encourage Georgians with helpful information to call the State Fire Investigations Hotline. This 24-hour, anonymous hotline can be reached toll-free at 1-800-656-2298.

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The mission of the Office of the Insurance and Safety Fire Commissioner is to protect Georgia families by providing access to vital insurance products and safe buildings through fair regulation that creates economic opportunities for all Georgians.