HENDERSONVILLE, N.C. (828newsNOW) — Authorities arrested a man after a structure fire Saturday in the Tuxedo community of Henderson County was ruled suspicious, officials said.
The Henderson County Sheriff’s Office Edward Squad and the Green River Fire Department responded to the blaze. Because of the nature of the fire, foul play was immediately suspected, prompting a multi-agency investigation.
The Henderson County Fire Marshal’s Office, the Henderson County Arson Task Force and the Major Crimes Unit — Violent Crimes Division also responded to determine the fire’s origin and cause.
Following the investigation, Daniel Israel Patino, 23, of Tuxedo, was arrested and charged with first-degree arson. He was taken before a magistrate and ordered held without bond pending his first appearance in district court.
Under North Carolina law, first-degree arson is classified as a Class D felony and involves willfully and maliciously burning a dwelling or building within its curtilage while someone is inside.
The Henderson County Arson Task Force includes officers from the Henderson County Sheriff’s Office and the Laurel Park Police Department. Members of the task force are specially trained to determine the cause and origin of fires and to identify potential criminal activity.
Authorities ask anyone with additional information to contact Detective Simpson at 828-694-2736 or use the “submit a tip” feature on the Henderson County Sheriff’s Office mobile app.