WILMINGTON ISLAND, Ga. (WSAV) — Police arrested a 17-year-old in connection to the Wilmington Island arsons that have troubled residents for weeks.
Nicholas Holbrook was taken into custody Wednesday around 2:30 p.m. by the Chatham County Police Department (CCPD).
He was originally charged for a burglary in the first degree after allegedly burglarizing the McDonald's on Wilmington Island Jan. 22.
Multiple sources told News 3 that Holbrook confessed to the string of arsons and is charged with multiple counts of arson 1st degree, arson 3rd degree, aggravated assault, burglary, and criminal damage in connection to the seven separate arsons that happened between late Nov. 2024 through Jan. 2025.
Holbrook is charged in connection with arsons that happened in the following locations:
• Nov. 20, 2024: 200 block of Johnny Mercer Blvd.
• Nov. 30, 2024: 400 block of N. Cromwell Rd.
• Dec. 9, 2024: 400 block of N. Cromwell Rd.
• Dec. 29, 2024: 20 block of Island Creek Ln.
• Jan. 18, 2025: Bull River Bluff (wildfire)
• Jan. 27, 2025: 90 block of W. Gazebo Ln.
• Jan. 27, 2025: 100 block of W. Gazebo Ln.
Holbrook was transported to the Chatham County Detention Center after his arrest.
The fires were investigated by Chatham Fire, the Alcohol, Tobacco and Firearms (ATF), the Chatham County Police Department (CCPD) and the Georgia State Fire Marshal’s Office as arson. They also offered up to a $10,000 reward for anyone who has information that leads to the arrest and conviction of the person or persons responsible.
A neighbor previously told WSAV that she heard of three other fires nearby and that they suspected teenagers or young men were involved.