An arrest warrant has been issued for a woman believed to be one of several people responsible for burning a south Atlanta Wendy’s last weekend in the wake of Rayshard Brooks’ death.
The fast food restaurant on University Avenue was set on fire and destroyed Saturday evening after Brooks was shot and killed in the parking lot by Atlanta police the night before.
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Atlanta fire investigators have identified the suspect as 29-year-old Natalie White. She is wanted for first-degree arson.
When Brooks was questioned by police in the fast food parking lot shortly before he was shot, he could be heard telling officers he had been with a girlfriend whom he identified as “Natalie White.”
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Asked if the woman sought for arson is the same person, an Atlanta fire spokesman said that information was “unknown at this time.”
During a news conference Saturday afternoon, Atlanta’s interim police Chief Rodney Bryant referred a question about the matter to the fire department, which is handling the arson investigation.
Authorities said firefighters may have been able to save the burning Wendy’s last weekend if it weren’t for some protesters who hurled rocks and bricks at crews as they entered the parking lot.
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According to investigators, the fire was ignited by “multiple suspects” who used aerosol cans and lighters. Several fireworks were also set off inside the restaurant, and some protesters tossed debris into the building before setting it on fire, authorities said.
Anyone who knows White’s whereabouts or has information about the fire is asked to call Crime Stoppers at 404-577-8477 or the Arson Tip Line at 1-800-282-5804.
— Please return to AJC.com for updates.
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