HANOVER COUNTY, Va. (WRIC) — 8News has obtained documents revealing new details in a fire that tore through great parts of a commercial building in Hanover County and is believed to be connected to a hostage situation that transpired shortly after.
Around 4:45 a.m. on Tuesday, Jan. 23, units with Hanover County Fire-EMS were dispatched to the 9800 block of Atlee Commons Drive for a report of a structure fire.
Firefighters found several suites within the building affected by the fire. Officials told 8News about half of the overall structure was impacted.
Crews were able to bring the fire under control and rescue a cat. There were no reported injuries.
According to the search warrant obtained by 8News, the on-call fire marshal arrived at the scene at 5:09 a.m. and noticed a burn pattern leading to one and then multiple of the suites impacted by the fire.
An accelerant-detecting canine was used to get a positive alert of the burn pattern. According to authorities, the pattern was consistent with the use of a trailer to facilitate the ignition and spread of the flames.
The on-call fire marshal was able to determine the trailer had material that was consistent with natural fibers such as manila rope and other combustible items. Documents indicate ignitable liquids may have been used to start the fire.
Shortly after the fire was reported, deputies with the Hanover County Sheriff’s Office were called to the 10400 block of Rapidan Way and responded at around 5:12 a.m.
A 30-year-old woman told authorities her “estranged husband” had entered the property. Two roommates — who also made additional 9-1-1 calls — either escaped or were later allowed to leave.
Witnesses said they saw a man who was wearing “makeshift” body armor. A spokesperson with the sheriff’s office said the suspect, an adult male, was an employee at the business involved in the fire.
The suspect Hanover County Sheriff Officials have identified as 47-year-old Cedric Lamont Smith who is said to have poured gasoline around the home of his ex-wife and barricaded himself and her inside.
After an hours-long negotiation, Smith allowed his ex-wife to leave and killed himself with a self-inflicted gunshot wound.
