Fire investigators suspect arson in an early-morning fire at a Lawrenceville restaurant and banquet hall.
There were no injuries in the fire at the empty Hall of Fame African Restaurant and Banquet Hall on Pike Street, according to Gwinnett Fire Department spokesman Capt. Tommy Rutledge.
Rutledge said a Lawrenceville police officer on routine patrol discovered the fire around 1:30 a.m. Friday. Five engines and two ladder trucks were dispatched within minutes.
There was only “moderate smoke” coming from the one-story building when firefighters arrived so crews were able to go inside to look for people and to fight the blaze.
Damage inside was extensive but the outside of the building showed little evidence there had been a fire, according to Rutledge.
“According to fire investigators, there was evidence found that pointed to an intentionally set fire,” Rutledge said in a statement.
The department is withholding specific details because the matter is an ongoing criminal investigation, he said.
Anyone with information should call 678-518-4890.
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