NFD Arson Detectives Arrest Woman for Apartment Fire

4/12/2019
Joseph Pleasant; Public Information Officer

Investigators charge Catherine Parker with Aggravated Arson and Reckless Endangerment for starting apartment fire.

Nashville Fire Department Arson Investigators arrested Catherine Parker, 43 for starting a fire inside her Madison apartment on April 10, 2019.

Just before 6:00 pm Catherine Parker called 911 to report a fire in her apartment in the Hickory Chase Apartment Complex, located at 600 Heritage Drive.

Engine Company 31 arrived on the scene within five minutes of the emergency call. They found that the fire had gone out on its own, but still used a booster hose to extinguish some hot spots.

There were two cats inside the apartment at the time of the fire. Fire personnel used animal oxygen mask kits to revive the two pet cats.

NFD Arson Investigators questioned Parker after advising her of her Miranda Rights. She agreed to speak with arson investigators and admitted to setting the fire in her bedroom. According to Parker, she sprayed the mattress with bug spray and then used a cigarette to set the mattress on fire.

NFD Arson Investigators charged Parker with Aggravated Arson and Reckless Endangerment. Parker is in Davidson County Sheriff’s custody on a combined bond of $70,000.

Parker is due in General Sessions Court in front of Judge Rachel Bell at 9:15 am on Wednesday, April 17, 2019.

“Arson is a dangerous and possibly deadly crime against our community,” Director Chief William Swann said. “Our experienced arson investigators will continue to bring arsonists to justice to ensure arsonists are not able to continue to destroy property and threaten lives.”

Remember you can help “Burn an Arsonist” by reporting arson to the confidential tip line at: 1-800-762-3017.

All calls to the line are confidential and you can earn a cash award of up to $5,000.