Thirty-four-year-old Justin Goostree used gasoline to start a fire in his mother’s property at 5541 Brown’s Chapel Road on Sunday, July 21.
Goostree reportedly suffers from depression and had been staying at the residence. After utilities were turned off, he borrowed gasoline from a neighbor stating he was going to burn down the house.
Rutherford County Fire -Arson Investigation Unit and LaVergne FD Fire Marshal reported to the scene of the fire and worked into the evening investigating evidence and interviewing witnesses. The fire was confirmed to be arson; Goostree was subsequently arrested and charged with aggravated arson by the RCFR Fire-Arson Investigation Unit. He has also been charged by the Rutherford County Sherriff’s Office for other charges brought on during the investigation.
Fire fighters worked for over four hours attacking the flames and smoke; the high temperatures and heat indices required extra hydration measures, and additional crews from other agencies were requested to assist as well.
Please Join Our FREE Newsletter!
