3/24/2008

Chattanooga fire investigators this afternoon arrested four juveniles, all girls, in connection with the fire March 20, 2008 at what was once the Old Narrow Bridge Restaurant at 7801 E. Brainerd Road.  The arrests were made after fire investigators obtained information at the scene from eyewitnesses.  Captain James Whitmire with the Fire Investigation Division said the parents of two of the juveniles voluntarily brought their girls in for questioning after learning of the fire.  The mother said she had taken her two daughters, and their two friends, to Heritage Park Friday night. While the mother sat in her car reading, her daughters and the other two girls made their way over to the old building and at some point, started the fire.

The other two girls were located today and all four were charged with arson, reckless endangerment and reckless burning.  Lieutenant Henry McElvain, the lead investigator in the case, transported the girls to the Juvenile Detention Center for booking.  Those arrested include two 15-year-old girls, one 14-year-old and one 13-year-old.  All are from the north Georgia area.

Eight Chattanooga fire companies responded to that fire Thursday night, along with responders from the Chattanooga Police Department, Hamilton County EMS and Chattanooga-Hamilton County Rescue.  No one was injured.  The building had reportedly been vacant for at least ten years and was slated for demolition.

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