South Nashville arson suspect facing federal charges

NASHVILLE, Tenn. (WKRN) — A 38-year-old man accused of beating a woman at a South Nashville clothing store and then setting it on fire is now facing federal charges.

Pardrae Gooch, of Nashville, was charged by a federal grand jury Wednesday with robbery affecting interstate commerce, using a fire to commit a felony and damaging a building by fire, according to the U.S. Attorney's Office, Middle District of Tennessee.

The robbery happened at S Fashion in the 4700 block of Nolensville Pike at 3:20 p.m. on Wednesday, May 29, 2024.

Man charged after violent robbery, arson at South Nashville store

According to investigators, Gooch went into the store and brutally assaulted the lone female employee, choking her until she lost consciousness, hitting her, and then pushing her into a bathroom in the back of the store.

Once in the bathroom, the Gooch reportedly hit the woman again over her cell phone. He then stole the employee's phone and car keys and drove away in her vehicle. Before he left, he lit a pile of clothes in the bathroom on fire, attempting to burn the store down with the woman trapped inside.

When the clerk regained consciousness, officials said she managed to get to the front door, where employees from a neighboring business saw her and called police.

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The victim was diagnosed with a cranial fracture and other injuries.

Until police took him into custody, Gooch — who was convicted of aggravated robbery in 2016 — was free on bond for domestic violence related arrests involving two women, according to officials. He was arrested eight days earlier for violating an order of protection.

If convicted on all counts, Gooch faces a mandatory minimum of sentence of 15 years and up to 20 years in federal prison and a maximum fine of $250,000.