NASHVILLE, Tenn. – A second suspect has been arrested and charged with arson in connection with a fire at a South Nashville motel.
Officials with Metro Police said 27-year-old Joshua Brooks has been accused, along with others, of setting fire to the Harding Inn on July 7. He has been charged with aggravated arson.
Fire victims were able to identify Brooks as a suspect in the case.
Two days after the fire, 29-year-old Antoine Clark, a convicted violent sex offender, was arrested in connection with the incident.
Police said Brooks admitted to being involved in the arson and said he was involved in an argument with a homeless resident of the motel.
Authorities said Clark threatened to kill one of the residents over personal belongings. Clark, Brooks and at least one other person allegedly stacked mattresses outside room 456 and them on fire.
Six people were trapped inside the building and had to be rescued by firefighters. Two people were injured, including a pregnant woman.
Witnesses told officials they heard Clark say he hoped they all burned to death as he fled the scene. The three ran across the street and watched the hotel burn until fire crews arrived.
The investigation remains ongoing. Additional arrests are possible in the case.
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