Jacksonville, AL – An arrest has been made in connection with a Halloween night fire at the local Jack’s restaurant, Jacksonville police announced Monday afternoon. The incident, which occurred on October 31, saw city emergency services rushing to the restaurant at approximately 9 p.m. following a report of a structure fire.
Upon arrival, first responders discovered that toilet paper rolls mounted on the walls in both restrooms had been deliberately set on fire. The flames had spread to the walls above, posing a significant hazard. The swift intervention of emergency crews prevented the fire from escalating further.
Investigators from the Jacksonville Police and Fire Departments conducted independent investigations, narrowing their focus to an employee of the restaurant. Their findings led to the arrest of 49-year-old Charity Moore, who was the assistant manager of the Jack’s at the time. Moore was taken into custody on November 1 and charged with first-degree arson, a felony under Alabama law. She is currently being held at the Calhoun County Jail with a bond set at $60,000.
Police Chief Marcus Wood reassured the community that the incident appeared to be isolated, saying, “This was an isolated incident, and we don’t believe there are more cases tied to Miss Moore. We appreciate the quick response of the fire department and their partnership in investigating this case and seeing it to a resolution.”
Arson in the first degree is considered a serious offense and can carry significant penalties if convicted. Authorities have not disclosed additional details regarding a possible motive or further developments.
The quick response and collaborative efforts of Jacksonville’s emergency services played a crucial role in mitigating the potential damage and ensuring public safety. Community members have expressed relief at the resolution of the case, underscoring the importance of vigilance and the joint efforts of local agencies in handling such incidents.
