Waynesboro house catches fire after subject barricades inside
WAYNESBORO, Ga. (WRDW/WAGT) - A Waynesboro home is a total loss after a fire following the execution of a search warrant by the Burke County Sheriff’s Office.
On Thursday at 1:10 p.m., the Burke County Sheriff’s Office Criminal Investigation Division, the Burke County Sheriff’s Office Narcotics Unit and the Burke County Special Response Team executed a search warrant on the 600 block of East 7th Street Lot D.
Authorities say this was part of an ongoing drug investigation.
Upon arrival, deputies saw the target of the warrant entering the home. When deputies announced the search warrant, the subject barricaded the door, refusing entry, according to the sheriff’s office.
The target of the warrant has been identified as Arrie V. Williams, of East 7th Street.
The Special Response Team initiated entry into the home. During the attempt, deputies noticed that the home was engulfed in flames.
Officials say despite the fire, Williams did not come out.
Deputies were able to enter the home and remove both Williams and a woman. The Waynesboro Fire Department responded to the scene and extinguished the fire.
Upon further investigation, deputies learned the fire started in the living room after Williams thought the distraction device was tear gas and wrapped it in a towel to stop the smoke.
This caused the towel to catch fire and spread to other items in the living room, officials say.
Williams and the woman were taken into custody. The sheriff’s office says no injuries were reported during this investigation.
Officials say after being interviewed, the woman was released.
Williams has been booked in the Burke County Detention Center and charged with possession of a firearm by a convicted felon. Officials say more charges are expected as the investigation continues.
According to inmate bookings, his bond is set at $5,900.
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