ATLANTA — An arson investigation is underway after a fire was set at a construction site in southeast Atlanta early Friday morning.
The Atlanta Police Department said officers responded to the scene around 5:30 a.m. at 543 Burroughs Street in the Chosewood Park neighborhood. Atlanta Fire Rescue, the Georgia Bureau of Investigation (GBI) and the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF) also responded to the scene.
Officials said no one was injured. Atlanta Police Chief Darin Schierbaum said they believe it was a targeted arson attack.
"Early indication is this arson attack, along with many others, is targeted at a construction company that's building the public safety training center," Schierbaum said. "If this individual or individuals is not stopped soon, they're likely to cost someone their life."
Schierbaum also spoke against arsons in general that have targeted the future Atlanta Public Safety Training Center -- called "Cop City" by opponents -- or contractors associated with building the project.
"This attack today impacts every citizen of Atlanta and everyone who comes to Atlanta to recreate, to eat, to worship because it erodes our ability to provide police and fire department services to everyone here in Atlanta," he added.
Fires were set at a concrete company in Gwinnett County last November, and Atlanta Police motorcycles were destroyed in an arson incident in July 2023. Police also previously highlighted three arsons earlier last year on McDonough Boulevard involving construction equipment that ultimately was not linked to the building of the training center.
Atlanta Fire Chief Roderick Smith said several pieces of construction equipment were damaged. 11Alive has a crew at the scene where you can see the scorched equipment.
"We are close to private homes where families live. And we have arson events that are occurring, this has got to stop," Smith said. "This is absolutely horrendous and we have to get to the bottom of this."
Schierbaum said the construction of the training center is still on schedule and is set to open in December.
"That's why we see these attacks occurring because individuals know that their goal to intimidate, to incite fear in the heart of construction companies in this city is not working, and that's why you see another attack occurring," Schierbaum added.
A reward of up to $200,000 is being offered for any information leading to the arrest(s). Anyone with information is asked to call Crime Stoppers at 404-577-TIPS(8477). You can also submit an anonymous tip online.
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