A suspect in a 2023 Harrells house fire has been arrested following an investigation by the Sampson County Sheriff’s Office and the Fire Marshal’s Office.
The suspect, Gavin Keith Matthis, 27, of 161 Raven Lane, Clinton, was taken into custody Friday, Dec. 12 and charged with first degree arson and felony cruelty to animals.
According to reports, on Sept. 9, 2023, the Harrells Fire Department responded to a 911 call reporting a structure fire at 4261 Delway Hwy. Shortly after extinguishing the blaze, the fire department requested the help of the fire marshal to determine the fire’s cause and origin. It was later determined that the fire originated from the front porch of the house.
The home was occupied by four adults — three who were present during the fire — and a child who was also present. The child and the adults slept through the fire, reports note. In addition, a cat was also in the home at the time of the fire.
According to Sheriff’s Capt. Marcus Smith, the cat was injured in the fire, but the people were all unharmed.
The Sampson County Sheriff’s Office reported that video evidence of the blaze was found and aided in the capture of the suspect. The video evidence provided enough information for authorities to determine the act was intentional.
“We value the strong partnerships we have with the Sampson County Fire Marshal’s Office and our volunteer fire departments,” Sheriff Jimmy Thornton said in a prepared statement. “Working together ensures that we can protect our community effectively.”
Matthis’s remains in jail under a $100,000 bond.
No further information was released as of press time.