Two Arrested in Connection with Jacksonville Dollar General Fire

JACKSONVILLE, Ala. — Two people have been arrested following the investigation into the Dollar General fire that occurred Saturday in Jacksonville.

Elijah Johnson, 22, and his mother, Monica Gross, 48, both of Anniston, have been charged with first-degree arson, a felony offense. Gross, who was employed at the Dollar General at the time of the fire, and Johnson are currently being held without bond in the Calhoun County Jail.

Jacksonville Police Chief Marcus Wood credited the quick arrests to close collaboration between the city’s Police and Fire departments. “These arrests are the result of teamwork between our Police and Fire departments, which allowed us to see results from our investigation within 48 hours,” Chief Wood said.

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He also expressed gratitude to those involved in the investigation, including Chief Keith Kadle and the Jacksonville Fire Department, as well as the city’s police officers and investigators. “They worked nonstop to reach a resolution in this case and ensure that Jacksonville remains a safe community,” Chief Wood added.

Authorities say the investigation is ongoing as they continue to gather evidence related to the fire.

From the Jacksonville Police Department: 

“Two arrests have been made in connection with an arson investigation of the Dollar General fire that occurred Saturday in Jacksonville.

Elijah Johnson, 22, and his mother, Monica Gross, 48, both of Anniston, have been charged with Arson 1st, a felony. Both are being held without bond in the Calhoun County Jail. Gross was an employee of Dollar General at the time of the fire.

These arrests are the result of teamwork between the city Police and Fire departments, which allowed us to see results from our investigation within 48 hours. We want to thank Chief Keith Kadle and the Jacksonville Fire Department, as well as our own police officers and investigators, who worked nonstop to reach a resolution in this case and ensure that Jacksonville is a safe community.”

Chief Marcus Wood