Man charged with breaking into Caldwell County home, setting it on fire

CALDWELL COUNTY, N.C. — A man is facing charges after he started a fire at a Caldwell County home, according to deputies.

Investigators responded Tuesday afternoon to the home along Ivey Sine Road in the Gamewell Community.

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Officials said they determined there were multiple points of origin for the fire and started a criminal investigation.

Deputies said Austin Ryan Setzer, 19, broke into the home and started the fire.

(Austin Ryan Setzer)

They said a woman was inside the home at the time of the fire, but firefighters were able to put out the flames quickly. The woman escaped with no injuries.

Investigators told Channel 9 Setzer had been in an ongoing dispute with the people who live at the home.

A neighbor said she spotted someone run up to the house moments before the fire.

“I was getting ready to leave for work, and I seen a guy run up to the house and then I seen him run back and jump into a car real quick. They stopped right here and turned around and came back real quick this way," Ashley Presnell said.

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Setzer is charged with first-degree arson and felony breaking and entering.

He made his first appearance in court Wednesday and his bond was set at $150,000. Investigators said they’re consulting with the district attorney about more charges in this case.

Anyone with information about this case is asked to contact the Caldwell County Sheriff’s Office at (828) 757-1400.

Cox Media Group