Suspect Wanted in Connection with Blackshear Apartment Fire

ATLANTA – Insurance and Safety Fire Commissioner John F. King announced today that Russell Leon Warner, 49, of Fulton County, is wanted in connection with a Pierce County fire that occurred on Sunday, September 12, just after 5:00 a.m. on Pomeroy Street in Blackshear.

The Blackshear Fire Department arrived on scene to find fire coming from one of the apartments in the six-unit complex. Upon extinguishment, Commissioner King’s Fire Investigations Unit examined the scene and determined the fire was intentionally set.

“Our investigators determined the fire originated on a couch in the living room due to a deliberate human act,” said Commissioner King. “Previous interactions between the occupant and the suspect lead Law Enforcement to believe Mr. Warner is the culprit.”

The suspect is currently being charged with Terroristic Threats and Stalking. Commissioner King’s Fire Investigations Division is coordinating with the Blackshear Fire & Police Departments 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.