KNOXVILLE, Tenn. (WOKI) — A Knoxville man has been arrested and charged with aggravated arson following a fire at a Chapman Highway hotel that investigators say was intentionally set while multiple people were inside the building.
The Knoxville Fire Department responded to the Executive Inn at 3400 Chapman Highway at approximately 11:02 p.m. on July 17, 2026, after receiving reports of a room fire.
Firefighters arrived and quickly brought the blaze under control, successfully containing it to a single room and preventing the fire from spreading to other parts of the hotel. Numerous residents were occupying the building at the time.
Following an investigation, Knoxville Fire Department Fire Investigators determined the fire had been intentionally set after a tenant became involved in an argument with hotel staff.
Earlier this week, officers with the Knoxville Police Department located Christopher Adam Ridge, 49, near World’s Fair Park and took him into custody without incident.
Ridge has been charged with Aggravated Arson and Felony Vandalism. He is currently being held at the Roger D. Wilson Detention Facility.
While no injuries were reported, fire officials said the incident had the potential to become much more serious because of the number of people inside the hotel when the fire occurred.
The fire caused significant property damage, but firefighters were able to prevent the flames from spreading beyond the room where the fire originated.
Knoxville Fire Department officials praised the coordinated efforts of fire investigators and Knoxville Police officers that led to the suspect’s identification, apprehension, and arrest.
Authorities have not released additional details regarding a possible motive beyond the reported dispute between the suspect and hotel staff. The investigation remains ongoing.
