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Juvenile charged with arson in Kannapolis house fire, officials say

By Paul Boyd and Alexa Ashwell
By Paul Boyd and Alexa Ashwell

KANNAPOLIS, N.C. — A community is coming together after a family lost their home in a fire investigators said was intentionally set by a juvenile.

The Kannapolis Fire Department was dispatched to the home in Wellington Chase Wednesday. When firefighters arrived to the scene flames could be seen shooting from the home.

Firefighters managed to rescue the family’s dog that was caged inside the house. No one else was home.

“It’s heartbreaking,” homeowner Stacey Lewis said. “But none of my kids are hurt, my dog is fine, my brother is safe and so is my husband. We can replace every bit of (the house.)”

Stacey Lewis and her husband Matt Lewis are staying positive after the arson and the family has a different outlook on life after Stacey Lewis survived a double aneurysm.

Instead, they’re focused on the outpouring of support from neighbors.

“We’ve got all kinds of clothes,” Kelly Schmidt said. “We love them. They’re just amazing people.”

Hours after the fire neighbors had already collected clothes, gift cards and food for the family.

Residents are troubled by the neighborhood boy investigators said set fire to the back of the Lewis’ home.

Investigators haven’t identified the boy because he’s too young but told Channel 9 they’ve charged him with arson and for stealing a neighbor’s golf cart in a separate, unrelated incident.

“This kid has been a problem child for many months now,” Danny Puscar said.

Neighbors hope the peace will be restored to the neighborhood as they help the family rebuild.

“They’re like family to us,” Puscar said.

Officials told Channel 9 there was $400,000 to $500,000 in damage to the home.

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