Police nab suspect in arson, burglary cases
By SHARON KERR Staff Writer

Newsboy photo/Sharon Kerr TIMBERS APARTMENTS' manager Bill Smith talks on his cell phone while alleged suspect Jesse Bryant watches the investigation into the arson case at the complex July 25. Bryant was arrested Monday, July 30 by Jasper Police on a unrelated burglary of vehicles charge at the complex and has allegedly confessed to the arson cases at the complex.

Jasper Police arrested a 19-year-old suspect in connection with an arson case at the Timbers Apartments Monday, July 30.

Jesse Bryant, 19, was arrested by officers and allegedly confessed to the arson case, which occurred at the complex July 24.

Officers were dispatched to the complex in the 800 block of W. Gibson after it was reported a suspect was going through the parking lot.

A group of tenants called The Jasper Newsboy office Tuesday, July 31, to report that manager Bill Smith had caught the suspect who started the fires. They said Smith stationed himself on a rooftop wearing camouflage for hours and that he caught the suspect burglarizing cars and notified police.

Officers located Bryant and found property in his apartment. Bryant also allegedly confessed to taking property from vehicles at the Econo Lodge in the past days as well.

Officers contacted the manager of the Econo Lodge who told police they have video of the suspect going through vehicles at the complex.

Last Wednesday, July 25, Jasper Fire Marshal Stephen Williamson collected samples of suspected accelerant at three separate fire locations near and in the laundry room facilities.

Bryant took fire scene photos on his cell phone and followed Williamson around the entire time he was investigating and gathering evidence at the scene last Wednesday.

One fire burned a chair propped up against storage shelves containing paint supplies and other flammable materials. Another fire started in a trashcan in the laundry room was inches from a gas line.

The third fire burned the contents of a city dumpster, including the lid. Evidence indicates that spray cans inside the dumpster exploded and damaged the paint on Smith's new red pickup truck.

Smith, who lives on site, said property damage was minimal and they had the fires almost put out with a garden hose before the fire trucks arrived.

The fires were not set near the residential portion of the complex, but each fire had the potential to blow up and engulf more units.

Although there were no injuries in this case, teenagers don't always recognize the potential for harm with any fire.

The restaurant was closed and empty when the teens set the blaze to cover up a burglary. Three firefighters died when the roof collapsed on them. The defendants' lawyers argued that there was no "intent" for murder, but because the deaths resulted from a felony (burglary and arson), the teens were charged with the maximum.

"State legislators gave some meat to the criminal charge of arson," Williamson said. "Arson is a third degree felony, which has a punishment range of two to 10 years in prison and a fine up to $10,000."

If anyone is injured or killed it becomes a firstdegree felony.

Bryant is also being held in connection with the burglary of vehicles at the complex.