Guest accused of starting fire at Hickory motel

HICKORY, N.C. — Hickory motel workers had to get guests out when part of the building caught fire.

Workers at the Red Roof Inn said when they noticed the smoke pouring from one of the rooms, they went door-to-door making sure everyone got out.

Investigators say a guest set a room on fire and left the motel shortly before 9 a.m. A maintenance worker had to be treated for smoke inhalation after trying to knock down the flames with an extinguisher.

“There definitely was a potential for lives being lost in this situation,” said Sgt. Andy Kerley with Hickory Police. “We take this very seriously. There (were) a few occupants there in the same building.”

Police charged Richard Hollar with first-degree arson.  They said he was the one staying in the room that caught fire.

Hollar didn't answer any of Eyewitness News’ questions after his arrest.  He was locked up at the Catawba County Detention Center on Wednesday.

Christina Ewing, her daughter and three dogs got out of the motel safely after the manager woke them early Wednesday morning. She credits the motel staff for reacting so quickly.

“I'm glad they woke everybody up,” Ewing said. “We were able to get all of our animals and stuff out.”

The total damage was estimated at $8,000.

Hollar was locked up under a $40,000 bond and will appear before a judge this Friday.

WSOC