A Catoosa County man accused of setting fire to Chattanooga's Masonic Center did not negotiate a plea deal with federal prosecutors by his Tuesday deadline but asked for a last-minute extension to consider the government's offer.
Kadum Harwood is federally charged with arson, traveling in interstate commerce to carry on arson and discharging a firearm during a crime of violence, the indictment shows. Harwood pleaded not guilty to all counts.
His public defender, J. Damon Burk, filed an unopposed motion Tuesday to continue Harwood's case shortly before the federal courts closed.
Harwood's trial was scheduled to begin May 7 at the Joel W. Solomon Federal Building and Courthouse, but Burk has requested a 30-day extension.
"Currently, Mr. Harwood has additional questions on how best to proceed," the motion states. "If Mr. Harwood wishes to proceed to trial, additional time is needed to acquire an expert to review this matter and consult with counsel."
Burk also needs to prepare for any possible defenses on Harwood's behalf ahead of trial, the motion states.
Chattanooga fire and police officials responded to an alarm during the early morning hours of Sept. 4 at the Chattanooga Masonic Center, the affidavit in support of Harwood's criminal complaint states.
Firefighters saw the Masonic Center's sprinkler system was activated, and the building smelled strongly of fire accelerant.
There was damage from water and destructive vandalism, the complaint states. Police also found a .50-caliber ammunition round casing in the parking lot.
(READ MORE: Police: Masonic Center arson suspect's posts reported week before incident)
Video surveillance footage allegedly showed Harwood driving his blue Toyota Land Cruiser to the front entrance of the building and exiting the car.
"In the video, Harwood knocked down items in front of the Masonic Center, retrieved a chain from the rear of his vehicle, and attached the chain to the front glass doors of the Masonic Center and the front bumper of his Toyota," the complaint states. "He then re-entered his vehicle and drove in reverse, causing the doors to be broken open."
Harwood then allegedly entered the building, picked up a piece of furniture and threw it outside, the complaint states. He then went on to destroy items and furniture inside the building for about two minutes.
He then allegedly brought in a large container of what appeared to be gasoline and firewood from his car.
Harwood placed the firewood near items he destroyed and pulled down drapery over the firewood, the complaint states.
"He lit a piece of paper on fire and dropped it over the pile of accelerant, firewood, broken furniture and drapery that he had assembled," the complaint states.
A large fire ignited inside the Masonic Center, but Harwood allegedly pulled down more of the surrounding drapery and fed it to the blaze in an apparent effort to grow the fire.
Harwood is accused of going back to his car, bringing out a gun and firing a single shot at the Masonic Center he lit on fire, the complaint states.
Federal agents later discovered his Twitter account, where he allegedly conveyed his disappointment that the Chattanooga Masonic Lodge did not burn down completely.
"The ol chatty fire protection came in nice for yall FM last night yall should be thanking ya boy ARC...for that f—-ing dump not burning to the ground like i intended," the post said.
(READ MORE: Man arrested in connection with suspected arson at Chattanooga Masonic Center)
A Masonic Center representative said last year the damage cost the center an estimated $250,000.
Harwood was later arrested at a North Georgia grocery store parking lot.
He also faces state-level charges including arson, burglary, vandalism and reckless endangerment, but the grand jury hasn't made a decision on whether to proceed.
Harwood was charged with harassment and is expected to appear Wednesday in front of Hamilton County Criminal Court Judge Barry Steelman.
Burk did not respond Tuesday to an email request for comment.
Contact Sofia Saric at ssaric@timesfreepress.com or 423-757-6476.