NASHVILLE, Tenn. (WKRN) — A 38-year-old man accused of beating a woman at a South Nashville clothing store and then setting her on fire is now facing federal charges.

Pardrae Gooch, of Nashville, was indicted Wednesday by a federal grand jury on charges of robbery affecting interstate commerce, use of arson to commit a felony and destruction of a building by fire, according to the U.S. Attorney’s office for the Middle District of Tennessee.

The robbery occurred at S Fashion in the 4700 block of Nolensville Pike at 3:20 PM on Wednesday, May 29, 2024.

Man charged after violent robbery, fire at South Nashville convenience store

According to investigators, Gooch entered the store and brutally assaulted the lone female employee, choking her until she passed out, punching her and then pushing her into a bathroom at the back of the store.

Once in the bathroom, Gooch hit the woman again with her cell phone. She then stole the employee’s phone and car keys and drove off in her car. Before leaving, he set fire to a pile of clothes in the bathroom, attempting to set fire to the shop with the woman trapped inside.

When the clerk regained consciousness, officials said she was able to make it to the front door, where employees from a neighboring business saw her and called police.

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The victim was diagnosed with a skull fracture and other injuries.

Until police took him into custody, Gooch — who was convicted of aggravated robbery in 2016 — was out on bond for domestic violence arrests involving two women, according to officials. He was arrested eight days earlier for violating a protection order.

If convicted on all counts, Gooch faces a mandatory minimum sentence of 15 years and up to 20 years in federal prison and a maximum fine of $250,000.

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