Security cameras go blank before Brainerd Trophy Shop catches on fire

CHATTANOOGA, Tennessee(WDEF) – Chattanooga police and fire officials are investigating a suspicious fire that caused $300,000 worth of damages at a business.

It happened early Friday morning at the Brainernd Trophy Shop in the 3400 block of Brainerd Road.

Shortly after 4 A.M., Darrell Lawler heard a noise coming from across the street. The noise caused his dog to bark. Lawler told News 12 that when he went outside to see what was happening, he noticed the Brainernd Trophy shop was on fire.

“The building was up in flames. Smoke was everywhere. The firemen where on top it and police blocked the streets,” Lawler said.

“Upon arrival, crews found pretty heavy smoke coming from the building. They made an aggressive interior attack and contained the fire to the back of the structure,” said Chattanooga Fire Battalion Chief Rick Boatwright.

Firefighters told News 12 that prior to the blaze igniting, major red flags were raised when security camera’s suddenly went dark.

“An employee got up while he was at home and noticed the security cameras had went offline from his computer at home. He drove from his house to the shop. opened the When he opened the door, he discovered the business on fire,” Boatwright said.

Investigators are treating the case as a suspicious fire due to prior incidents that have occurred at the business.

“They have had several break-ins over the last few months in this particular building,” Boatwright said.

According to Chattanooga fire officials, the blaze caused $300,000 worth of damage. Officials also told News 12 the owner did not have insurance.

Darrell Lawler owns Program Sport Wear across the street. Lawler told News 12 he has supported the trophy shop for many years. He was asked what would happen if the shop turns out to be a total loss for the owner.

“I would be saddened because I grew up right here as a kid looking forward to getting trophies. I know little kids today who like getting trophies. When you win something you want to get a reward like a like a certification or a trophy so I would be sadden if it’s down,” Lawler said.