CHARLOTTE — Officials say one person is in custody for a fire that caused hundreds of thousands of dollars in damage and left four people displaced.
“They were arguing and fighting,” said a neighbor. “You heard banging on the door, and then we heard at about 4:30, the owner of the house was running around like a crazy person trying to wake everyone up saying it was on fire.”
Charlotte Fire officials say that they were called around 5:40 a.m. Sunday out to Somerset Springs Drive. Crews said they saw heavy smoke and flames upon arrival.
“Everything is ruined,” said the neighbor, who didn’t want to be named. “It’s a nightmare.”
Charlotte Fire said that with the fire spreading, more crews were called out at 5:48 a.m.
“We knew something bad was gonna happen to him,” the neighbor said. “We didn’t know his house was going to get burned down.”
Officials said they controlled the fire by 6 a.m. and determined it was intentionally set. Court records show Alfreda Crowder faces charges that include first-degree arson, breaking and entering, and burning personal property.
The department said she was injured and was treated after her arrest.
Busca Permanecer Anonimo told Channel 9 he has complained about his neighbor.
“He has parties and things happen, and it’s always at 4 a.m.,” Anonimo said.
Crowder is being held in jail without bond.
Charlotte Fire said the Red Cross was helping four people who were displaced by the fire. Estimated property losses exceed $345,000.
RELATED STORY: Man arrested on arson charges told deputies ‘spirits’ told him to do it
©2024 Cox Media Group
