Chattanooga man accused of trying to set two people on fire

CHATTANOOGA, Tennessee(WDEF) – A Chattanooga man is facing one count of aggravated arson after police say he lit fire to an occupied tent inside a homeless camp.

Richard Erwin, 40, of  Chattanooga was taken into custody after he was identified by the alleged victims.

According to the arrest affidavit, a man and woman had to be transported to Erlanger for smoke inhalation injuries they sustained when their tent was set on fire.

The two victims told police they were sleep in their tent at 2200 Chestnut Street when one of them woke up  to find the tent on fire. The female victim told police that as she saw Erwin not only pouring kerosene on the tent but also on the male victim who was in the tent. After the kerosene was poured, the victims said they saw Erwin attempt to light a matches and throw them on the male victim.

The two ran from the scene and called for help.

When police arrived at the tent, they found Erwin leaving the scene. According to the arrest affidavit, Erwin appeared and acted intoxicated.

When authorities examined the alleged crime scene, they found evidence that a fire was ignited.

When police looked into Erwin’s tent, they found a lit kerosene heater.

Erwin remains in jail on a $225,000 bond.

His next court date is February 18.