Thunderbolt police arrest Savannah man in restaurant arson investigation

THUNDERBOLT, Ga. — A Savannah man is behind bars facing multiple felony charges after authorities said he intentionally set fire to a local restaurant.

Henry Dover, 48, of Savannah, was served with multiple warrants Thursday at the Chatham County Detention Center, where he was already being held on unrelated charges.

Dover now faces charges of first-degree arson, first-degree criminal damage to property and reckless conduct, among other offenses, according to the Thunderbolt Police Department.

The investigation began Tuesday, Aug. 11, when Thunderbolt police officers responded to a reported arson at a restaurant on Victory Drive. Investigators determined the fire had been set intentionally.

The business was closed at the time of the incident, and police said no injuries were reported.

Detectives identified Dover as the sole suspect through various investigative techniques. A motive for the fire remains under investigation, and police noted that Dover does not appear to have any known ties to the town of Thunderbolt.

According to police, Dover has an extensive criminal history, which includes a prior arrest for arson.

“Our officers moved quickly, followed the evidence and identified the suspect,” Thunderbolt Police Chief Gene Harley said in a statement. “This was a serious incident that could have ended very differently, and I am grateful no one was injured.”

The Thunderbolt Police Department credited the Savannah Police Department with assisting in the investigation.