Man Arrested After Trying to Burn Down the Ryman Auditorium

Police in Nashville have arrested a man after he allegedly tried to set fire to the fabled Ryman Auditorium.

According to Nashville's News Channel 5, 52-year-old Jeffrey Parsley was caught on security cameras on Aug. 18 as he piled newspapers outside the back door of the hallowed venue and tried to light them on fire.

The flames rose several feet in the air before firefighters responded to the scene. They were able to contain the blaze.

It is not clear how much damage, if any, was done to the building, which was the longtime home of the Grand Ole Opry, and is still one of the most popular venues of its size in North America, hosting top touring acts from many genres.

No injuries were reported as a result of the fire.

Taste of Country reports that Parsley's address is listed on Church Street in Nashville, which runs just behind the Ryman. The man was taken into custody on Tuesday (Aug. 27), and charged with arson.

Parsley's bond has been set at $20,000.