Suspects wanted for starting fire at motel on Ogeechee Road

SAVANNAH, Ga. (WTOC) - Two suspects are wanted on arson charges after a fire was started Monday at a motel on Ogeechee Road.

According to Insurance and Safety Fire Commissioner John F. King, Josheul Allen, 28, and Wytisha Richardson, 28, both of Smokes, S.C., are wanted in connection with the fire that occurred in room 54 of the motel.

The investigation unit examined the scene and determined the fire was intentionally set.

Chatham Firefighters stopped a room fire in its tracks at Thunderbird Hotel on Ogeechee. Quick response and extinguishment kept this hotel room fire from spreading throughout the structure.
Posted by Chatham Emergency Services on Monday, June 14, 2021

“Our investigators found clothing and other materials lying on the bed that had been lit on fire,” Commissioner King said in a statement. “The available video footage on scene clearly identified Mr. Allen and Ms. Richardson and warrants were immediately taken out for their arrest.”

Allen and Richardson have been charged with Arson in the 1st Degree, Arson in the 3rd Degree, Cruelty to Animals, Theft by Taking, and Aggravated Assault.

Commissioner King’s Fire Investigations Division is coordinating with Chatham Emergency Services and the Chatham County Police Department on this investigation.

Anyone with information on the whereabouts of these suspects is invited to call Commissioner King’s State Fire Investigations Unit at 1-800-282-5804. This anonymous hotline operates around the clock.