Knoxville Man Charged in Arson Attack on Home with 11 Inside

Diego Julio Pedro, 44, arrested for allegedly setting fire to Western Heights residence in January

Feb. 6, 2026 at 9:39am

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A 44-year-old Knoxville man has been arrested and charged with aggravated arson for allegedly setting fire to a home in the Western Heights neighborhood in late January. The fire, which caused severe damage, occurred while 11 people were inside the residence. Investigators say Pedro and one of the victims had an ongoing dispute over a perceived debt.

Why it matters

Arson attacks on occupied homes pose a serious threat to public safety and can result in devastating loss of life. This case highlights the need for effective investigation and prosecution of such crimes to protect vulnerable community members.

The details

According to the Knoxville Fire Department, Diego Julio Pedro was arrested on Thursday night at a home in the Lonsdale neighborhood. Investigators say surveillance video shows Pedro carrying a container of ignitable liquid, placing it on the porch, and then lighting it on fire. The January 29th fire on Stair Drive was the second intentionally set fire investigators responded to that night, with another man charged in connection to a separate blaze on Keith Avenue.

  • The fire on Stair Drive occurred in the early morning hours of January 29, 2026.
  • Pedro was arrested around 10:30 p.m. on February 6, 2026.

The players

Diego Julio Pedro

A 44-year-old Knoxville resident who was arrested and charged with aggravated arson for allegedly setting fire to a home in the Western Heights neighborhood.

Knoxville Fire Department

The fire department that responded to the fire on Stair Drive and determined it was intentionally set, leading to the arrest of Pedro.

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What’s next

Pedro is being held on a charge of aggravated arson and will appear in court in the coming days. Authorities are continuing to investigate the circumstances surrounding the fire and any potential connections to other incidents.

The takeaway

This case underscores the serious threat that arson attacks pose to public safety, especially when they target occupied homes. It highlights the importance of thorough investigation and swift action by law enforcement to hold perpetrators accountable and protect vulnerable community members.