Chatham Motel Fire Ruled Arson, Two Suspects Wanted

ATLANTA – Insurance and Safety Fire Commissioner John F. King announced today that Josheul Allen, 28, and Wytisha Richardson, 28, both of Smokes, South Carolina, are wanted in connection with a Savannah fire that occurred on Monday, June 14, just before 10:00 p.m. on Ogeechee Road.

When Chatham Emergency Services arrived on scene, they found a fire in room 54 of the motel. Upon extinguishment, Commissioner King’s Fire Investigations Unit was brought in to examine the scene. They determined that the fire was intentionally set.

“Our investigators found clothing and other materials lying on the bed that had been lit on fire,” said Commissioner King. “The available video footage on scene clearly identified Mr. Allen and Ms. Richardson and warrants were immediately taken out for their arrest.”

Allen and Richardson have been charged with Arson in the 1st Degree, Arson in the 3rd Degree, Cruelty to Animals, Theft by Taking, and Aggravated Assault. Commissioner King’s Fire Investigations Division is coordinating with Chatham Emergency Services and the Chatham County Police Department on this investigation.

Anyone with information on the whereabouts of these suspects is invited to call Commissioner King’s State Fire Investigations Unit at 1-800-282-5804. This anonymous hotline operates around the clock.

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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.