Dyer County Man Charged in Roadside Arson Case

NASHVILLE – A Dyer County man has been arrested on a class E felony charge of setting fire to personal property and land in connection with a roadside fire that occurred Nov. 9. He was taken into custody by Dyer County Sheriff deputies following an investigation by the Tennessee Department of Agriculture’s Ag Crime Unit.

Justin Allen Sollis, 23, of 25 Ring Street, Trimble, Tenn. confessed to setting a fire that burned approximately one acre along Nebo Road in Dyer County. The suspect was seen in the area at the time of the fire and was later questioned by an ACU investigator. Sollis is believed to have set the fire as part of a plan to get hired as a local firefighter.

“Arson accounts for the majority of acres burned from forest fires in Tennessee. These fires can spread quickly this time of year and endanger human life and property,” said State Forester Steven Scott. “The Ag Crime Unit provides an important presence in our rural areas to help reduce arson activity.”

A court hearing has been set for Dec. 6 in the case. Sollis is being held without bond pending investigation into other fires in the area.

So far this year, 632 wildland fires caused by arson have burned nearly 12,000 acres in Tennessee. A total of 20,872 acres have burned in the state this year from all causes.

“Forest arson is a very serious crime and we will prosecute offenders to the full extent of the law,” said Max Thomas, Agriculture Investigation Supervisor.

Wildfires caused by arson that involve structures are a class C felony punishable by three to 15 years in prison and up to $10,000 fines. Anyone with information about suspected arson activity should call the state Fire Marshal’s Arson Hotline toll-free at 1-800-762-3017. Rewards up to $1,500 are available for tips leading to a conviction. Callers can remain anonymous.

During fire season, Oct. 15 through May 15, citizens are required to obtain a burn permit before conducting any open, outdoor burning near woods or grasslands. Contact your local Forestry office, or visit www.burnsafetn.org, for permit and fire safety information.