ROCKINGHAM — The Richmond County Sheriff’s Office has confirmed an early morning fire late last week is being investigated as a possible arson.
Detective Maj. Jay Childers said Monday that the sheriff’s office has received assistance from the N.C. State Bureau of Investigation as well as a K-9 from the Union County Fire Marshal’s office.
“We do have a person of interest and we are waiting on results from the state crime lab on some items we are submitting,” he said in an email. “Our suspect is in custody on unrelated charges at this time.”
The East Rockingham Fire Department responded to the blaze on Marigold Street just after 3:30 a.m. Friday where crews found two vehicles — a Chevy Suburban and a Nissan Altima — on fire, according to Assistant Chief Bill Bayless.
The fire also burned the wooden carport the vehicles were under as well as one room on the residence, which was a 24×60 mobile home on a concrete foundation.
Contrary to posts on social media, Childers said the vehicles were not shot.
The RO will have more information as it becomes available.
