Emanuel Co. Man Arrested for Arson, Aggravated Assault

An Emanuel County man is behind bars just days after warrants for his arrest were issued stemming from a fire on October 1st.

Authorities made it known last week that they were searching for Wyatt Kincaid Rodriguez of Adrian, Ga on charges of First Degree Arson and Aggravated Assault after a two-story home in Wadley – within Jefferson County – suffered moderate damage. The origin of the fire was discovered to be on the exterior side of the house.

Fire Investigators with the Safety Fire Commisspublic ioner’s Office assisted the City of Wadley Fire Department, the City of Wadley Police Department, the Emanuel County Sheriff’s Office, and the Jefferson County Sheriff’s Office with the investigation and the search for Rodriguez.

Rodriguez was arrested in a motel on the morning of October 3 by a handful of law enforcement officials. The Emanuel County Sheriff’s Office located him and transported him to the Jefferson County Jail where he was awaiting a bond hearing as of Friday.

“Due to the nature of his alleged crimes, it was essential that we apprehended this man very quickly,” said Safety Fire Commissioner John F. King. “Locating him just 24 hours after the warrants were taken out shows true dedication, hard work, and determination by the Emanuel County Sheriff’s Office. Thank you to everyone who played a part in catching this suspect.”

First Degree Arson is a felony punishable by a fine of no more than $50,000 or by a prison term between one and twenty years, or both.