Arrest In Arson, Vandalism At Masonic Lodge

A suspect has been taken into custody and faces multiple charges in connection with damages done to the Chattanooga Masonic Center. Kadum Harwood, 29, was arrested Monday evening in Catoosa County, GA and he will be extradited to Hamilton County, TN. He is charged with arson, vandalism, burglary and reckless endangerment. At 2:11 AM on 9/4/23, firefighters responded to the Masonic Lodge at 551 W 21st Street on a fire alarm activation. When CFD personnel arrived on scene, they found a fire on the left front exterior of the building which was quickly extinguished. Also, the front doors were open and as crews made entry, they found another small fire inside the structure which had activated the sprinkler system. The sprinklers effectively extinguished the interior fire. Along with fire and water damage, there was also damage to the building from vandalism. Through the course of a multi-agency investigation involving CFD investigators and law enforcement, Harwood was identified as the suspect in the case.

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