Executive Summary
- Nashville Fire Department investigations increased by 19% in 2025 compared to the previous year.
- Pardrae Gooch was sentenced in September 2025 for a violent robbery and arson attack at a clothing store.
- The department has integrated drone technology and approved new investigator positions to manage the workload.
- Federal court records indicate the victim suffered severe injuries, including a cranial fracture.
The Nashville Fire Department (NFD) reported a 19 percent increase in origin and cause investigations during 2025, a surge that has prompted the integration of drone technology and specialized training to handle complex cases, including a recent federal conviction involving violent robbery and arson.
According to a departmental release, the NFD Investigations Division experienced a significant workload increase in the fourth quarter of 2025. Officials attributed this rise to the city’s continued growth and the escalating complexity of fire-related crimes. To mitigate these demands, the department deployed drone capabilities to enhance scene documentation and investigative efficiency.
The expansion of resources was highlighted by a successful joint investigation involving the Metro Nashville Police Department and the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF). This collaboration led to the sentencing of Pardrae Gooch, 39, on September 26, 2025, for a brutal attack and arson at a South Nashville clothing store.
Federal court records state that in May 2024, Gooch entered S Fashion Clothing Store on Nolensville Pike and assaulted the sole female employee. The plea agreement details that Gooch placed the victim in a chokehold and struck her repeatedly before forcing her into a bathroom. He then intentionally ignited a pile of clothing, attempting to burn down the structure with the unconscious employee trapped inside, before fleeing with her vehicle and personal items.
First responders rescued the victim, who was transported to Vanderbilt University Medical Center. Medical reports cited in the plea agreement confirm she suffered a cranial fracture, a black eye, and extensive bruising. The store remained closed for several days due to fire and smoke damage. Authorities noted that Gooch was on bond for prior domestic violence arrests at the time of the incident.
Operational Strategy and Public Safety
The sentencing of Pardrae Gooch underscores the critical role of interagency cooperation between local fire investigators and federal law enforcement in securing convictions for high-stakes arson cases. With the approval of two new fire investigator positions for the 2026 Fiscal Year Budget, the Nashville Fire Department aims to sustain its operational capacity against a backdrop of rising demand. This case illustrates the evolving nature of fire investigations, where traditional forensics now intersect with violent crime analysis and advanced aerial surveillance to ensure comprehensive public safety. While Gooch has been convicted in this federal case, it is important to note that individuals mentioned regarding unrelated prior arrests are presumed innocent until proven guilty in a court of law.
