Augusta Man Arrested for Arson, Criminal Trespassing

ATLANTA – Insurance and Safety Fire Commissioner John F. King announced today that Tariq John, 22, of Augusta, was arrested on charges of 2nd Degree Arson, Arson of Woodlands, and Criminal Trespassing. The incident occurred around 5:02 a.m. on Thursday, April 1. The 2741-square-foot structure is located on Gordon Highway in Augusta.     

“On April 20, the suspect was questioned by the Richmond County Sheriff’s Office regarding the fire,” said Commissioner King. “The suspect admitted to forced entry into the residence and using a flammable liquid to ignite the fire and was arrested immediately.”

Our Fire Investigations Division assisted the Augusta Fire Department and the Richmond County Sheriff’s Office with this investigation. Mr. John is currently being held in the Richmond County Jail.

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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.