On Wednesday (6/5/2019) the Fire/Arson Investigation Unit of Rutherford County Fire Rescue has successfully identified and charged 26-year-old Tyler Hammontree as the arsonist responsible for the trailer fire at 528 Polly Thickett Road in Bell Buckle.

Investigators determined that Hammond set fire to the trailer on the evening of May 29, 2019. The remains of the trailer were discovered by the suspect's father the next morning (5/30/2019).

The patrol division of the Rutherford County Sheriffs Offie patrol division located the suspect at a nearby dwelling, and held him for questioning by RCFR. County fire investigators were assisted by fire and crime scene investigators from the City of La Vergne as a part of the Rutherford County Arson Task Force.

The quick action by the Fire/Arson Investigation Unit was made possible by newly passed legislation authorizing Fire Investigators to perform law enforcement related functions enabling them to quickly charge and arrest suspected arsonists, thereby protecting the public and preventing further arson activity.

His bond was set at $24,000 and Hammontree remains at the Rutherford County Adult Detention Center.

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