NASHVILLE, Tenn. (WSMV) – A man is now facing federal charges in connection with a violent robbery and arson at a South Nashville convenience store in late May, according to the Department of Justice.

Pardrae Gooch, 38, 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.

Court documents show that Gooch entered the S. Fashion clothing store on Nolensville Pike and brutally assaulted an employee who was alone. The victim was allegedly choked until she lost consciousness, and Gooch is also accused of hitting and pushing her into a bathroom at the back of the store.

Once in the bathroom, the DOJ alleges, Gooch struggled with the woman to get her phone and hit her again. He then allegedly stole her phone and car keys and fled in her vehicle. Before leaving the store, he allegedly set fire to a pile of clothes in the bathroom in an attempt to burn down the store with the woman trapped inside.

“Metro Nashville police officers and firefighters responded to the store after witnesses called 911. They located the victim, who was then transported by ambulance to a hospital where she was diagnosed with a fractured skull and other injuries,” DOJ said. “The Nashville Fire Department successfully extinguished the fire, but the store was closed for several days due to damage to the building and store property.”

At the time of the arson and violent attack, Gooch was out on bail for domestic violence arrests involving two women. Prior to committing these crimes, he was arrested eight days prior for violating a protective 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,” the DOJ said.

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