Georgia Insurance and Safety Fire Commissioner John F. King announced Thursday that Jimmy M. Gowan, 19, was arrested in connection with a Chattooga County fire. The suspect is being charged with Arson in the 1st Degree, Burglary, and Criminal Damage in the 2nd Degree.

The fire occurred on March 25th at a vacant commercial use building on East Washington Street in Summerville at approximately 4:53 a.m.

“Investigation revealed that Mr. Gowan broke into the building and started a fire on the second story,” said Commissioner King. “The building received moderate damage as a result of the fire. Mr. Gowan was subsequently taken into custody by the Chattooga County Sheriff’s Office.”

Commissioner King’s Fire Investigations Unit is assisting the Chattooga County Sheriff’s Office and the Summerville Fire Department with this investigation. The suspect is being held in the Chattooga County Jail.