Deputies Investigating Possible Arson in Henderson County
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HENDERSON COUNTY, Tenn.- Deputies are investigating a house fire after state bomb and arson officials declared the blaze an arson, Wednesday. “(The) fire chief for the county requested deputies to come out and he had advised them the fire had started underneath the house,” said Capt. Tracey Grisham of the Henderson County Sheriff’s Department. “They did advise me there were two origins of the fire, one in the front and one in the back, both were underneath the house so It was no accident this was an intentionally set fire. We don’t know why this was set and we don’t know who set it at this time.” Homeowner Roy Bray told WBBJ 7 Eyewitness News that he left his home Tuesday night for just an hour before a neighbor called to tell him that his house was smoking. ” I have no idea what to think yet I’m still shocked,” said Bray. Investigators believe someone started the fire on purpose then took off. Captain Grisham said their investigation is ongoing. Bray said he has experienced several cruel pranks over the past year. He said since he has moved in, his garden hose was mysteriously chopped to pieces and his deer decoy has been taken apart and damaged while he was away. “Ever since I moved here it started when I told people they couldn’t ride their ATV’s out here. I don’t understand. I’d like to find out and ask them why because I’d like to know,” said Bray. “I’ve only lived here a year and I’ve done nothing to nobody.” Deputies said they are investigating Bray’s harassment allegations but so far there has been no evidence to confirm that there is someone pulling pranks on Bray or his home. “He has advised us he has been having trouble with people getting underneath his house and making noises,” said Capt. Grisham. “We’ve never been able to confirm his allegations that anybody has been getting underneath his house and making noises so our investigation is ongoing.” Even though the damage will take time to repair, Bray said he was thankful for firefighters quick response that saved his home. Bray said he is offering up a reward for any information leading to an arrest in his case. If you have any information that could help deputies call the Henderson County Sheriff’s Department at ( 731) 968-7777.
