Knoxville, TN (WOKI) – A Knoxville Fire Department investigation has led to the arrest of a woman accused of intentionally setting a fire at a homeless campsite, injuring a sleeping victim and prompting arson and assault charges.
Fire crews were dispatched to the Quick Stop gas station at 815 W. Baxter Avenue at approximately 3:53 a.m. Saturday after receiving reports of a fire.
When firefighters arrived, they found a homeless campsite burning beside the business. Crews quickly extinguished the flames, preventing the fire from spreading to the gas station or nearby structures.
Because of the suspicious circumstances surrounding the blaze, Knoxville Fire Department Fire Investigators were called to the scene.
According to investigators, the fire was intentionally set following a dispute between the suspect and the victim. Authorities said the victim was asleep when the fire was started and suffered minor burn injuries.
Following their investigation, fire investigators charged 39-year-old Lindy Henegar with one count of arson and one count of assault.
Officials said Henegar was taken into custody without incident later Saturday and booked into the Roger D. Wilson Detention Facility.
The quick response by firefighters prevented what could have become a much larger incident near the business and surrounding properties.
The investigation remains ongoing.
