ROWAN COUNTY, N.C. — A 44-year-old woman has been arrested after investigators determined a house fire on Wal Hollow Lane in Mooresville was intentionally set, according to the Rowan County Sheriff’s Office.
Clarrisa Nicole Stokes faces charges of second-degree arson, breaking and entering, and cruelty to animals following the investigation.
Firefighters responded to the home shortly after 8 a.m. Thursday, Oct. 22. Witnesses reported seeing someone leave the area shortly before the fire was discovered and suspected it had been deliberately set.
The Rowan County Fire Marshal’s Office investigated and determined the fire was incendiary in nature, meaning it was intentionally set. Detectives later identified Stokes as the suspect and determined she was known to the victims, according to the sheriff’s office.
No one was inside the home when the fire started, but a dog was inside an enclosed porch. Firefighters extinguished the flames before the home sustained extensive damage. The dog was evaluated and found to be unharmed.
Stokes was arrested and is being held at the Rowan County Detention Center without bond.