KNOXVILLE, Tenn. — The Knoxville Fire Department said two people were arrested for intentionally setting fire to a North Knoxville apartment after burglarizing it.
The fire happened on Thursday, Jan. 11, at Holston Ridge Apartments in North Knoxville, according to KFD.
Fire investigators determined that the fire was set intentionally and on Tuesday, Jan. 23, they identified 48-year-old Wendy Ann Franklin as a suspect, KFD said.
The department said Franklin was taken into custody at an apartment complex on Sevier Avenue. Another person, 33-year-old Paul Sexton, Jr., was also taken into custody on related charges.
Franklin was charged with aggravated burglary, theft of property, aggravated arson and drug charges. Sexton was charged with theft of property after he was identified as selling property stolen from the apartment, according to KFD.
The apartment building was saved from significant damage as the sprinkler system activated and put out the fire. The individual apartment where the fire was started did suffer fire, smoke and water damage, KFD said.
Records show that Sexton has since pled guilty to his charges.