NASHVILLE, Tenn. — A man has been arrested in connection with a fire that severely damaged a North Nashville church last week. Christopher Shrum, 28, was taken into custody on Tuesday, January 21, and charged with felony arson at a place of worship, according to Metro Police documents.
The fire occurred on Thursday, January 16, at First Apostolic Church, located in the 200 block of Broadmoor Drive. Firefighters from the Nashville Fire Department (NFD) responded to the scene after multiple trashcans were found ablaze, with flames spreading into the church gymnasium. The fire caused extensive damage to the structure of the building.
Court documents indicate that surveillance footage from the church played a crucial role in identifying Shrum as the suspect. The video reportedly shows him lighting an object on fire before dropping it into a trashcan, setting the blaze in motion. Following the release of images from the footage, authorities were able to track down and arrest Shrum.
No injuries were reported as a result of the fire, though the church sustained significant damage. The incident follows a series of similar events at places of worship in Nashville, raising concerns among local communities.
Shrum is currently being held in custody pending further legal proceedings. The investigation into the fire is ongoing, and authorities are urging anyone with additional information to come forward.
