GWINNETT COUNTY, Ga. -- Investigators have concluded that a fire that ripped through several units of a Norcross-area townhome was started by one of the tenants that lived there.
Darrius Matthews, 34, has been charged with one count of first-degree arson after he told investigators the fire started as he tried to burn his wife's clothes in the fireplace.
According to officials, Matthews called 911 after the fire spread from his unit at the Robinwood Townhomes on Beaver Ruin Road. When firefighters got to the scene around 11:30 p.m., the two-story, 10-unit townhome was engulfed in heavy flames.
Nearly 30 residents had already started evacuating the townhome by the time firefighters got to the scene. Firefighters were able to knock down the flames, and no one was injured.
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Photos: Fire guts several Gwinnett County townhomes
Matthews said he and his wife were having trouble and she and the kids reportedly left him a few days before. He reportedly told firefighters he was burning some of her clothing that was left behind in the box.
Fire officials said his actions "placed a number of people in jeopardy due to the smoke and flames."
“Many of the neighbors were home getting ready for the busy Thanksgiving holiday and could have easily been injured or killed,” said Gwinnett Fire Captain Tommy Rutledge.
Matthews was detained by police on the scene of Tuesday’s fire for an outstanding warrant that was unrelated to the case. According to Fire Investigators, he could be facing additional charges related to the fire.
Matthews is currently being held at the Gwinnett County Detention Center without bond.
