Fire outside Federal Reserve Bank of Atlanta ruled arson, man in custody
ATLANTA - Police said federal law enforcement arrested a man suspected of intentionally starting a fire on Tuesday outside the Federal Reserve Bank of Atlanta.
Atlanta Fire Rescue arson investigators responded to 1000 Peachtree Street in Downtown Atlanta.
The Atlanta Police Department investigators said the man walked up to the Federal Reserve Bank building and appeared to begin pouring lighter fluid in front of the main entrance. Police said he lit a small fire.
Atlanta police said officers were called out at 9:38 a.m. Atlanta police met with federal law enforcement, who had already extinguished the fire and detained the suspect.
Christopher Glaze (Fulton County Sheriff's Office)
Wednesday, investigators identified the suspect as Christopher Michael Glaze and announced he was charged with destruction and damage to property.
Officials say two small gas cannisters, loose ammunition, and a pair of handcuffs were found on his person at the time of his arrest.
The Atlanta Police Department called Homeland Security Unit investigators since the incident happened of federal grounds.
Police said the investigation is ongoing and have not provided details about the suspect's motive or what charges he faces.
The Federal Reserve Bank of Atlanta issued a statement regarding the incident:
"The Atlanta Fed confirms that there was an incident outside our building in Midtown Atlanta on Tuesday morning. We are thankful for the quick response of the Atlanta Fire Rescue Department and Atlanta Police Department, as well as from our Atlanta Fed law enforcement and facilities teams. No injuries were reported, and the building exterior experienced only minor smoke damage. We are assisting in the investigation. Further updates of the incident will come from the Atlanta Police Department."