35-Year-Old Man Charged in Pulaski County Arson

ATLANTA – Today, the Office of Insurance and Safety Fire Commissioner John F. King announced the arrest of John Franklin Laidler, 35, on charges of 1st Degree Arson. Mr. Laidler has been arrested in connection with a residential fire that occurred around 10:00 a.m. in Hawkinsville on Thursday, November 5.

The Pulaski County Fire Department responded instantly and found heavy smoke coming out of a home at 35 South Wood Street in Pulaski County. Firefighters extinguished the fire and rescued a dog and cat trapped inside the home. State investigators found evidence which pointed to an intentionally set fire.

“Our state investigators arrived around three hours after the fire to photograph evidence and collect fire debris samples,” said Commissioner King. “Soon after, a BOLO was issued by the Pulaski County Sheriff’s Office for Mr. Laidler. Crisp County officials apprehended him, and he was charged on Friday, November 6.”

Commissioner King’s State Fire Investigations Unit is thankful to continue working alongside the Pulaski County Fire Department and Pulaski County Sheriff’s Office in this case.

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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.