A Halloween morning fire at the Senatobia Police Department has led to a federal arson charge and temporary operating changes for the North Mississippi agency.

The fire occurred before dawn on Saturday, October 31, damaging the police headquarters. No injuries were reported at the scene.

What investigators allege

Federal authorities arrested Garrick Rex Rawls in Huntsville, Alabama, on November 2. A criminal complaint in the U.S. District Court for the Northern District of Mississippi charges him with arson.

According to the complaint, investigators believe a masked individual broke a station window, entered the lobby, spread a flammable liquid and set a fire at approximately 4:30 a.m.

The allegations are based in part on surveillance images and investigative evidence described in court documents. Rawls has been charged, not convicted, and is presumed innocent unless proven guilty.

A preliminary and detention hearing was scheduled for Thursday, November 5, in Huntsville. That hearing date or location could change.

Police services and the building

Senatobia's interim police chief, LaMorris Hampton, thanked the community for its assistance and said the department remains committed to serving residents.

The department announced plans to operate from a different location beginning Wednesday, November 4, until further notice while it addresses damage to its headquarters.

Residents needing in-person police services should confirm the temporary location and current office arrangements directly with the department before visiting.

A sensitive moment for Senatobia

The fire follows months of public concern about the June police shooting that killed one-year-old Kohen Wiley.

Rawls has participated in protests related to the case, according to reporting on the federal complaint. But prosecutors had not established or publicly announced a motive for the fire as of November 3.

Participation in protests does not establish a motive, and no causal connection should be assumed.

What happens next

Federal proceedings will determine how the criminal charge moves forward, while the department assesses the building and its longer-term operations.

901 Daily will continue following confirmed court filings and official public-service announcements.