Police arrest man suspected in arson at neighbor's home

GASTON COUNTY, N.C. — Police said a man accused in a series of arsons struck again Wednesday night.

Police said Shannon Goss lit a fire inside his next-door neighbor's Gaston County home, but he slipped up.

Investigators said they followed a trail of evidence from the crime scene right to his door.

Police said Goss broke into a back door last night and started three fires in the home.

Police said one of their K9s picked up his scent, which led across a gravel path to Goss' front door.

Jackie Fisher said he moved out of the home because he had a bad feeling about his neighbor Goss.

Goss served eight years in prison for starting eight fires and spent time on probation for a couple more.

Police said one of the homes burned while people slept inside, but, luckily, no one was hurt.

Fisher said when he moved out Saturday when someone broke into his Jeep.

He said Goss came over after the break-in. and told him, "I hate to see you leave. You are a good neighbor and one thing I can't stand is a thief."

Hours later police said they found the stolen items in Goss' home and charged him with breaking and entering.

Officers said once he got out of jail, he was determined to burn down his neighbor's home.

"He tried to set the house on fire three time so he was pretty intent on burning the house up," said Sgt. Jimmy Arndt with Gastonia Police Department.

Firefighters said gas was used to start the fire.

Police said they found clothes reeking of gas in Goss' washing machine.

"This is going to continue unless we can do something with him to stop him," Arndt said.

Fisher fears he may never sell his house.

"I hope they put you in jail and throw the keys away," Fisher said.

Goss will make his first court appearance tomorrow afternoon. He is being held under a $5 million bond.

WSOC