On Wednesday, June 5, the Fire/Arson Investigation Unit of Rutherford County Fire Rescue has successfully identified and charged 26-year-old Tyler Hammontree as the arsonist responsible for the trailer fire that took place at 528 Polly Thickett Road in Bell Buckle.

According to a press release, investigators determined that Hammontree set fire to the trailer on the evening of May 29. The remains of the trailer were discovered by the Hammontree's father the next morning, Thursday, May 30.

Initial investigative work by the RCSO patrol division located the suspect at a nearby dwelling, who was then held for questioning by RCFR Investigators. RCFR investigators were assisted by fire and crime scene investigators from the city of Lavergne as a part of the Rutherford County Arson Task Force.

The quick action by the Fire/Arson Investigation Unit was made possible by newly passed legislation authorizing Fire Investigators to perform law enforcement related functions enabling them to quickly charge and arrest suspected arsonists, thereby protecting the public and preventing further arson activity.