Man Wanted for Christmas Day Arson at North Georgia Church

Fire Investigators with the Insurance and Safety Fire Commissioner’s Office have determined a fire that occurred on the night of Wednesday, December 25, at a White County church, was intentionally set. 

The fire was set to the back exterior wall of Solid Rock Baptist Church located at 7662 Hwy 115 West in Cleveland, Georgia. 

Video surveillance was obtained from the church that appears to show a white male in his mid to late thirties setting the fire. Investigators are seeking assistance from the public in locating this individual. 

“We are confident that someone in the area knows who the man is in the surveillance footage,” said Safety Fire Commissioner John F. King. “If you have any information on this individual, I ask that you call my Fire Investigations Unit at 1-800-282-5804.” 

Rewards are offered of up to $10,000 for information that leads to the arrest and conviction of the arsonist(s). Calls are taken 24 hours a day and callers can choose to remain anonymous. The 7,000 square-foot, 26-year-old structure suffered minor exterior damages. The fire burned out on its own and was not discovered until the next morning. 

Fire Investigators with the Insurance and Safety Fire Commissioner’s Office are assisting the White County Fire Department, White County Sheriff’s Office, and the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives with this investigation.