Suspect Arrested for Arson of an Occupied Dwelling

About 4:30 p.m., yesterday afternoon, Police and Firefighters responded to 537 E. Deaderick Street. Mr. Donald Duckworth said that he was inside his residence at 537 E. Deaderick Street when he heard a loud explosion, and noticed flames coming from the rear of his residence.

Mr. Duckworth was able extinguish the fire prior to police and fire arriving at the scene though there was a strong odor of gasoline still in the air.

Witnesses told Police they saw a black man in brown coveralls pour something on Mr. Duckworth’s back porch and set the fire. The man got into a green Ford Explorer and left. They gave Officers the tag number.

Moments later an Officer spotted and attempted to stop the Explorer.

There was by the Officer’s detailed accounting a hair- raising pursuit of the Explorer through midtown that ended when the suspect wrecked on Cedar Street. The suspect jumped out and fled on foot.

The suspect was captured after an extensive foot pursuit and fight with Officers. James Jabaris Cole age 33 of 550 Old Hickory in Jackson was charged with Aggravated Arson, Felony Evading by Motor Vehicle, Evading and Resisting Arrest and numerous traffic charges. He was arraigned in City Court this morning and bond was set $50,000. He remains in the Madison County Jail.