VALDOSTA — Valdosta Police investigators have made arrests associated with a suspicious fire which occurred Wednesday afternoon at the In Town Suites motel.

Two persons were arrested in connection with the fire which started in the bathroom area of the motel room where the occupants of the room appeared to have been attempting to produce methamphetamine. The persons arrested and the charged are Edward Cowart, 33 of Valdosta, and Angel Howell, 30 of Valdosta.  Both are charged with Possession of Methamphetamine and Possession of Items with Intent to Manufacture Methamphetamine

Residents have been allowed to return to the motel with the exception of the damaged room as the motel has been deemed safe to be occupied. Damage was confined to the one room. The Lowndes County Narcotics Unit assisted VPD with the disposal of the chemicals found on scene.

The fire call was received by Lowndes 911 for a fire at the motel Wednesday. Upon arrival, Valdosta firefighters and police found a fire in one of the motel rooms on the second floor.  Damage was in the bathroom area with possible smoke damage in adjacent rooms.

Police state that two persons were in the room where the fire started. Cowart fled the area prior to law enforcement’s arrival.  Howell was detained on scene and questioned about the suspicious nature of the fire. She received minor injuries and was treated on scene.

Investigative Personnel from the Valdosta Police Department, Valdosta Fire Deparetment, and the Lowndes County Sheriff’s Department investigated the possibility of the fire being related to narcotics use. Due to the suspicious nature of the fire, motel occupants were evacuated.

The Lowndes/Valdosta Convention Center, the Wood Valley Community Center, and the Courtyard by Marriott hotel have all graciously provided shelter and refreshments for the motel occupants to provide assistance.

Anyone having information regarding this incident is urged to contact the Valdosta Police Department at 229-293-3091 or 229-293-3145.