DE QUEEN, Ark. — Two men, including the son of a car dealership owner, have been arrested in connection with a massive fire that destroyed part of Gentry Chevrolet in De Queen in early September.
According to court documents obtained on Oct. 16, Charlie Moss, 39, and Trent Walker Gentry, 27, both of De Queen, have been charged with arson following the Sept. 3 fire that caused over $5 million in damage.
The affidavit for arrest warrants states that fire investigators found multiple points of origin and evidence of an accelerant, indicating the blaze was intentionally set. Multiple fire departments responded to the scene, and one firefighter nearly collided with a white 2023 Chevy Silverado believed to belong to Gentry while heading to the fire.
Surveillance footage reportedly showed Gentry’s truck and Moss’s brown Buick entering and leaving the dealership several times during the early morning hours before the fire began.
Moss, a lead mechanic at the dealership, told investigators that Kenneth “Bud” Gentry, Trent’s father and the owner of Gentry Chevrolet, pressured him to start the fire to collect insurance money because the business was facing foreclosure. Moss said he initially resisted but eventually tried to make the fire appear accidental by placing a faulty battery charger near a leaking fuel tank.
Investigators later determined the charger was not plugged in and had no defects, and gasoline was found near a service entrance.
Trent Gentry admitted to being at the dealership with Moss but denied setting the fire, claiming he only visited twice that night. However, he asked a friend to provide a fake alibi, according to the affidavit.
“This case reflects the dedication and teamwork of our local fire departments, police, and state and federal partners,” said Prosecuting Attorney Jana Bradford. “Their coordinated efforts have ensured a thorough investigation and will help bring those responsible to justice.”
Both Moss and Gentry were arrested and face 10 to 40 years or life in prison if convicted.
The blaze destroyed multiple vehicles but caused no injuries. Firefighters managed to contain the flames to the shop area, preventing the total loss of the building thanks to a firewall in its structure.
