By MDA Staff Writer | November 2, 2026
SENATOBIA, Miss. — Federal authorities have charged a 41-year-old man with arson following a fire that damaged the Senatobia Police Department headquarters, adding another development to a period of controversy surrounding the city’s law enforcement agency.
Garrick Rawls was arrested in Huntsville, Alabama, after investigators identified him as a suspect in the fire, according to federal court filings described in November 3 reporting by Mississippi Today.
The fire occurred before dawn Saturday, October 31.
Firefighters responded shortly before 5 a.m. and extinguished the blaze.
Federal investigators reviewed surveillance recordings showing an individual approaching the police department building, breaking a window and entering the lobby.
According to the criminal complaint, the individual appeared to pour a flammable substance before igniting a fire.
Investigators used surveillance recordings, information from community members and cellphone data during their search.
Rawls was located at a relative’s residence in Huntsville and arrested by federal authorities.
The allegations have not been proven in court.
Following the damage, the Senatobia Police Department announced plans to temporarily operate from another location beginning Wednesday, November 4.
The department has not announced a permanent return date in the reporting reviewed.
The fire occurred amid continued public attention surrounding the June police shooting death of one-year-old Kohen Wiley.
The child’s death prompted protests and demands for accountability.
Rawls had participated in demonstrations concerning the shooting, according to reporting. His participation in lawful protests does not establish responsibility for the alleged arson.
The federal criminal case will determine whether prosecutors can prove the allegations.
Rawls is presumed innocent unless proven guilty.
As the investigation proceeds, Senatobia officials face the additional challenge of maintaining police services while addressing damage to their headquarters.
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