Suspect Arrested For Trying To Set A Homeless Man And His Tent On Fire

Police have arrested a man with a Bonaqua, Tennessee address for trying to set a homeless man and his tent on fire.  Police were called to a campsite under the Obed River overpass on Sunday (5/10/21) to a report of a male subject chasing another man with a knife.  The victim reported that he and another homeless man were helping 52-year-old Brian Keith Medley set up his own campsite when Medley fell and became belligerent with them.  As the victim attempted to leave and go back to his own campsite, Medley threw gasoline on the victim and tried to set him on fire.  Medley also attempted to set the victim’s tent on fire.  Police went to Medley’s campsite where they report he had slurred speech and appeared to be intoxicated. While speaking with law enforcement, Medley  changed his story several times.  As police were attempting to place Medley in custody, he reportedly became belligerent, grabbed a jug filled with rubbing alcohol and stated he was about to “light this place up” while holding a cigarette over the jug.  Medley was placed in custody and transported to the Cumberland County Justice Center for booking.