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Written by: E. George
Published November 13, 2024 @ 12:45 PM ET
Warning: The following story contains information regarding alleged sexual violence against children.
RICHMOND COUNTY, Ga. – Authorities arrested a 53-year-old Augusta man on October 1, 2024, for setting a hotel on fire on September 29, 2024, in an attempt to “kill everyone inside.” Rodderick Bernard Tift faces three counts of aggravated assault, first-degree arson of a business, and possessing tools for the commission of a crime charges.
Richmond County Sheriff’s deputies arrived at America’s Best Value Inn on Broad Street at approximately 11:30 PM and observed employees and residents battling the blaze with fire extinguishers. Officials evacuated the building as fire personnel arrived.
Multiple witnesses identified Tift as the arsonist. They said he was “the maintenance man and had sexually assaulted a juvenile” in one of the rooms earlier that day.
The witnesses said that Tift was terminated and returned to the location to set it on fire as revenge for his termination.
Deputies located and handcuffed Tift after a brief foot chase. The police report states that the suspect admitted to using a can of gasoline to ignite the fire to kill the people inside the building.
This case is pending in court.
Officer’s Narrative:
[Please note: The following is a direct transcription from the official initial incident report. The Georgia Gazette does not fix any spelling or grammatical errors that may exist. Any changes or redactions made by our staff are placed inside brackets. Some errors may exist. All subjects are innocent until proven guilty in a court of law. The topics discussed may be sensitive to some readers. Discretion is advised.]
On September 29th, 2024, at approximately 2326 hours, Investigator Patrick Brown was alerted to a fire at 441 Broad Street, Augusta, Georgia by passersby on Broad Street near 5th Street. This person was later identified as [REDACTED]. Investigator Patrick Brown proceeded to investigate the fire and found smoke and flames coming from the rear building of America’s Best Value Inn at 441 Broad Street. Investigator Patrick Brown observed several staff members and residents attempting to battle the blaze using fire extinguishers. Investigator Patrick Brown evacuated the building with the assist of several residents. Investigator Patrick Brown was able to identify a suspect for the arson, due to multiple witness statements on scene, as firetrucks responded to extinguish the blaze.
While conducting an interview, Investigator Patrick Brown spotted the subject walking on Broad Street near the overpass. Investigator Patrick Brown gave chase and apprehended Roderick Tift. Multiple witnesses stated that Mr. Roderick Smith was the maintenance man and had sexually assaulted a juvenile in Room [REDACTED BY AGENCY] at approximately 2200 hours. Because of this, Roderick Smith returned to the hotel and set it on fire in an attempt to get revenge on the management for his termination.
Investigator Christopher Brown conducted an in-custody interview of Roderick Smith after reading him his Miranda Rights and he admitted to using a can of gasoline to start the fire in an attempt to kill everyone inside the building.
Roderick Smith was arrested for his crimes.
[End of Narrative]