ASHEVILLE, N.C. (828newsNOW) —
A 40-year-old man has been accused of arson and other charges related to a “man-made” fire on Monday in Asheville that left three residents suffering from smoke inhalation, the Asheville Police Department reported.
The fire happened Monday, May 20, in Asheville. According to a press release, a joint investigation by the Asheville Fire Department and police detectives determined that the cause was “man-made” and not due to any faulty wiring or electrical equipment.
A warrant was issued charging James Earl Owen, 40, with: first-degree arson, second-degree trespassing, interfering with emergency communications, injury to real property and injury to personal property, the release stated.
Because Owen still was being treated at Mission Hospital for smoke inhalation, his open warrants were expected to be served after his release.
“The Asheville Police Department would like to thank the Asheville Fire Department for their partnership in this investigation,” the release stated. “We would also like to remind the public that arson is a serious crime and can have devastating consequences.”