Carbondale officer honored after rescuing family, arresting suspect in aggravated arson case

FOX23 News at 9 p.m.

CARBONDALE, Ill., (KBSI) — A Carbondale police officer received a Department Commendation after helping rescue a family from a house fire and identifying a suspect accused of setting it, authorities said Wednesday.

Officer Jerry Gulley was honored for his quick response to the Nov. 4 aggravated arson incident in the 300 block of West Cherry Street. Before the Carbondale Fire Department arrived, Gulley evacuated the occupants — including several young children — from a residence as flames spread from burning furniture outside the home, police said.

Gulley then used a fire extinguisher from his patrol car to begin putting out the fire. After the fire was fully extinguished and everyone was safe, he conducted an investigation that led to the identification and arrest of the suspect.

Police arrested Jory L. Brown, 30, of Carbondale, on a charge of aggravated arson. He was booked into the Jackson County Jail pending a detention hearing. No injuries were reported.

The Carbondale Fire Department completed the extinguishing efforts, and the investigation remains ongoing.

Anyone with information is asked to contact the Carbondale Police Department.