Man faces arson charges after setting fire to house
May 15—LENOIR — A local man is facing charges of first-degree arson after setting fire to his house during an argument.
James Randall Barnwell, 43, of Hollywood Ridge Rd. in Lenoir was arrested Saturday by Caldwell County sheriff's deputies. A nearby resident had reported a civil disturbance around 9 p.m. on Friday, May 12. The caller indicated that Barnwell was at the house "causing damage and burning something," said sheriff's Capt. Aaron Barlowe.
Several hours later, in the early hours of Saturday, May 13, firefighters with Patterson Fire Department, along with the Caldwell County Sheriff's Office and Fire Marshal's Office, responded to the scene.
"Flames were seen coming from the house," said Barlowe. "Nobody was hurt, but there was significant damage to the house."
Firefighters requested the assistance of sheriff's deputies near the rear of one of their trucks after a vehicle had taken off at high speed. The vehicle was stopped a short distance away by deputies, and Barnwell was found in the passenger seat, with one Michael Lee Scarberry in the driver's seat. Officers were able to detain Barnwell without further incident.
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According to Barlowe, a couple days prior to this incident, deputies had responded to a call of Barnwell burning a mattress in the front yard at the same residence.
"I'm glad no one was hurt, and I'm glad the people in the house called and got us there before it got any worse," said Barlowe.
He also noted that alcohol was a factor in this case.
Barnwell is charged with one felony count of first-degree arson and has been jailed under $125,000 secured bond.
This case remains under investigation by the Caldwell County Sheriff's Office and Fire Marshal's Office.
