UPDATE: Church Fire Considered Arson, Person of Interest Captured on Surveillance

Cleveland, Tenn. (WDEF) — Bradley County deputies are investigating a church fire they believe was intentionally set.

A call came in about a possible burglary at Christian Outreach Church around 2:30 this morning.

That witness saw heavy smoke coming out of the building.

By the time fire crews arrived, half of it was already burned down.

Other witnesses recalled seeing a man running from the church into a wooded area.

A person of interest’s picture was caught on camera, and deputies are currently following up with leads.

“We haven’t had many hate crimes like this in awhile in Bradley County–but I do consider this a hate crime because this is a center that does great things and good things and positive things for our community,” says Bradley County Sheriff Eric Watson.

Keith Dewayneshutters is a member of the church. He says, “Someone to do something like this is a shame. God – karma has a way of paying people back.”

The fire cost about $100,000 in damage.

There is a $5,000 cash reward being offered to anyone with information to help capture this person of interest.

Cleveland, TN (WDEF) – Investigators from the Bradley County Sheriff’s Office, Bradley County Fire & Rescue, Tennessee Department of Commerce and Insurance Fire Investigations, and Alcohol, Tobacco, and Firearms have determined the structure fire of Christian Outreach Church located on 225 Rabbit Valley Road as arson.

After receiving a 911 call regarding a burglary in progress, deputies arrived on the scene and requested Bradley County Fire & Rescue respond after observing smoke inside the building. Once fire department personnel arrived, over half of the structure was engulfed.

Witnesses advised a person was seen running away towards a wooded area adjacent to the church.

Surveillance photos were recovered capturing an individual inside the church before the fire, who is now considered a person of interest.

Investigators are asking for the public’s assistance in identifying this person. Anyone with information can call the Tennessee Arson Hotline at 1-800-762-3017.

The Tennessee Department of Commerce and Insurance is offering $5,000 for any information leading to the capture of the person(s) responsible.