Alabama Man Charged with Arson of Senatobia Police Department

OXFORD, MS- United States Attorney Scott F. Leary announced today that Garrick Rawls, 41, of Huntsville, Alabama, has been charged by a criminal complaint and arrested for his role in firebombing the Senatobia Police Department. Rawls was located in the Northern District of Alabama earlier this week.

According to court documents, on October 31, 2026, the Senatobia Police Department building was set on fire. The Senatobia Fire Department extinguished the flames. Agents with the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives responded to the scene and began an investigation. Security cameras captured an individual breaking into the police department with what appeared to be a gas can. The individual matched the description of Rawls, and additional video, electronic and physical evidence pointed to him being the perpetrator.

On November 2, the defendant was charged by a criminal complaint with arson. He is being held in custody in the Northern District of Alabama awaiting a hearing on the issue of his detention set for November 13, 2026. At the time of the offense, Rawls was under conditions of a state court bond in Alabama.

This investigation remains active and is being conducted by the ATF. Huntsville Police Department played a major role for the arrest of Rawls. The case is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Julie Addison.

U.S. Attorney Scott Leary stated, "The ATF is among our most valuable partners, working around the clock on this serious incident. Great work as always."

ATF Special Agent in Charge Joshua Jackson said, "ATF is the leader in conducting investigations related to the criminal use of fire. This investigation is dynamic and it is believed at this time that multiple persons who have knowledge of the arson and/or played a role in obstructing justice to assist Rawls are outstanding. These investigative leads are still being diligently worked, and ATF asks the public and the individuals with direct knowledge of this crime to contact ATF at 1-888-ATF-TIPS."

A criminal complaint is merely an allegation, and all defendants are presumed innocent until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law. This is ongoing.