NASHVILLE, Tenn. (WKRN) — Following several incidents at places of worship in Nashville in the past week, a suspect accused of starting a fire at a North Nashville church has been arrested, according to Metro police documents.
Christopher Shrum, 28, was detained Tuesday, Jan. 21 and charged with felony arson at a place of worship.
On Thursday, Jan. 16, Nashville Fire Department crews were dispatched to First Apostolic Church in the 200 block of Broadmoor Drive.
According to court documents, multiple trashcans were on fire, and the flames had spread to the church gymnasium. Officials said the structure of the church was significantly damaged.
Reports referred to video surveillance footage of the incident, which reportedly captured Shrum lighting an item on fire before he dropped it into a trashcan. The NFD released several photos of the person of interest captured on the surveillance footage.
Authorities spoke with Shrum on Tuesday, and he reportedly admitted to lighting paper on fire above the trashcan. He claimed the fire began to burn out of control and he left the location without attempting to contact emergency services.
Shrum is detained in Metro jail on a $75,000 bond.
No additional information on the motive for the arson was shared by investigators.
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This is a developing story. WKRN News 2 will continue to update this article as new information becomes available.
