Investigators say someone deliberately set fire to the New Life Outreach Ministries building in South Memphis on Wednesday night, and the blaze has now been officially ruled an arson. Fire crews pulled up just before 9:30 p.m. and were able to knock down the flames, but the church was left with an estimated $6,000 in damage. The front door was later boarded up, and while no one was hurt, the attack has left congregants and nearby residents rattled.
According to WREG, Memphis Fire investigators confirmed the blaze was intentionally set and said they are working to track down whoever is responsible. The department said certain details are being kept under wraps while the investigation is active, and WREG noted it updated its story on Friday as new information came in.
“Honestly, how they can set it on fire? It’s honestly terrible,” neighbor Jacorean Yates told WREG. Other residents on the block described watching firefighters secure the property and board up the front entrance once the flames were out. With the building now a crime scene, the congregation will likely have to find another place to gather while investigators comb through the damage…