Student Confesses To Recent Arson Attack And May Shooting
SPRINGFIELD TENNESSEE: (Smokey Barn News) – A 14-year-old Robertson County student is now in custody after allegedly confessing to Thursday night’s arson attack on a home in Springfield and an attempted murder back in May.
During an investigation into Thursday night’s arson attack on a Woodland St home in Springfield, Detectives with the Springfield Police Department, with the help of Springfield Fire Investigators, identified a juvenile suspect in the case.
Authorities tell Smokey Barn News that the suspect poured gasoline down the side and back of the home. Officials say the suspect then allegedly tried to ignite the gas. (FULL STORY BELOW)
Police added that during questioning, the juvenile admitted to the Arson and also openly told Detectives that he was the subject that shot Anthony Swoopes back in May of this year. According to Springfield Police, the victim stated that he was just walking down the street and somebody shot him. FULL STORY BELOW
The juvenile was taken into custody at school Friday and charged with Criminal Attempt to commit Murder and Aggravated Arson. He was transported to the Robertson County Juvenile Court where he will be taken to a Juvenile Detention Center until trial.
Smokey Barn News has learned that the identification of the juvenile as a suspect came with the help of the Robertson County School system who reached out to Springfield Police.
Smokey Barn News does not identify juvenile suspects.
Smokey Barn News reported the arson attack and the shooting. Both reports and video have been added below.
Published September 12, 2019
Arsonist Caught Trying To Ignite Home With Family Inside
SPRINGFIELD TENNESSEE: (Smokey Barn News) – Authorities in Springfield are searching for an arsonist that poured gasoline on a home and then tried to ignite it.
The incident occurred on Woodland St near 21st Ave just after 8:30 pm on Thursday evening. MAP
The residents were alerted to the arson attack after seeing a flash outside the home. Authorities tell Smokey Barn News that the suspect poured gasoline down the side and back of the home. Officials say the suspect then allegedly tried to ignite the gas and that’s when the residents saw the flash and ran out to investigate.
Though the gas vapors may have ignited, it was not enough to ignite the home or cause any damage, officials said. The Springfield Fire Department told Smokey Barn News that they could smell the gas so the house was hosed off to dilute it.
During the investigation, authorities focused on the home and an area near 21st Ave.
The residents of the home were not able to get a good look at the suspect who authorities say fled on foot.
The incident is being investigated as attempted arson, according to officials with the Springfield Fire Department.
If more information becomes available we will bring it to you. If you have any information about this incident you are encouraged to call police.
PUBLISHED MAY 29, 2019
Springfield Police Investigating 19th Ave. Shooting
SPRINGFIELD TENNESSEE: (Smokey Barn News) – Springfield Police are currently investigating a shooting that occurred around 2 AM Wednesday morning.
The shooting occurred near the intersection of Main St. and 19th Ave. MAP
Officials tell Smokey Barn News that one person was shot. We have learned that the victim was transported to NorthCrest Medical Center in Springfield and is currently awaiting Lifeflight.
This is a developing story, detectives are still interviewing witnesses and gathering information. As soon as officials are prepared to release information that would likely contain a suspect description we will bring it to you.
UPDATE: 2:37 PM Wednesday, May 29
According to Springfield Police, the victim stated that he was just walking down the street and somebody shot him. Springfield Police do not have a suspect or vehicle description at this time and are urging anyone in the community with any information about the shooting to come forward.
UPDATE: 10:00 pm Wednesday, May 29
Springfield Police are now releasing more info on Wednesday’s early morning shooting on Main St.
According to Springfield Police, the victim is identified as 48-year-old Anthony Swoopes of Springfield.
Police say Swoopes was out walking (North on Main St.) when he noticed that he was being followed by someone also on foot. Once Swoopes reached 19th Ave West, the suspect called out to him so he would stop. When he did, the suspect (according to witnesses) shot one time from a distance of about 15 feet hitting Swoopes in the abdomen. After the shooting, the suspect fled on foot.
Swoopes was LifeFlighted to Vanderbilt Medical Center but has now been released.
Suspect description: Police say the shooter was a white male wearing gray sweats. Police recovered a 45 caliber shell casing at the scene. The shell casing has been sent to the TBI’s special crime science investigation division to be processed for evidence that might lead police to the shooter.
Police are asking for the public’s help identifying the suspect. If you have any information about this shooting you are encouraged to call the Robertson County Dispatch Center at 615-384-4911.
Refresh this page for updates.
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