Woman Arrested After Trying To Burn Down Duplex

An unidentified passerby on a bicycle reportedly stopped and put the fire out on the porch. The fire on the side of the duplex apparently went out on its own. The fire damage to the duplex was minimal and no injuries were reported.

Captain Anthony Moore with the Fire Investigation Division said they figured out pretty quickly who might be the culprit was and asked Chattanooga police for help in finding her. A few hours later, Chattanooga police spotted the suspect driving in her car. The police officer pulled her over, took her into custody and took her to Captain Moore for questioning. Jacquese Duckett (35) said she got into an altercation with her boyfriend this morning at the duplex on Wilson Street, but denied setting the fire.

Captain Moore charged Ms. Duckett with Aggravated Arson -- because lives were endangered in the duplex -- and had her transported to the county jail for booking. Lt. Andrew Waters assisted with the investigation and arrest.