Terry Simpson
Gordon Nunziato (left) Thadford Hornsby (right)
Photo courtesy of TDOT.NASHVILLE, Tenn. -
Three people were taken into custody following a two-alarm fire in downtown Nashville Wednesday night.
The fire broke out around 10:30 p.m. in a building on 13th Avenue and Broadway.
The vacant structure was fully engulfed in flames when Nashville's News 2 arrived at the scene.
Authorities said three men were seen running from the building. An officer located them a short time later trying to board a bus.
Police said the three men are homeless. Police said two admitted to falling asleep after starting the fire to stay warm. When they awoke the blaze was out of control.
Police arrested Terry Simpson, Gordon Nunziato and Thadford Hornsby on charges of reckless burning, criminal trespassing and public intoxication.
Officials said the building is believed to be a complete loss.
Former owner Ruthie Cherry told Nashville's News 2 the building is on the Historic Registry and was built in 1884.
