ASHEBORO, N.C. — A man was arrested at the scene of a mobile home fire Sunday that authorities believe he intentionally set, according to the Randolph County Sheriff’s Office.
Robert Daniel Pugh, 52, was taken into custody as fire crews worked to extinguish the blaze on Drum Street, the Sheriff’s Office said in a press release Monday.
A deputy on U.S. 220 Business South near New Hope Church Road spotted heavy black smoke coming from the home at approximately 9:30 a.m. Nov. 21, 2021. Upon arrival, the deputy confirmed a mobile home was on fire.
Fire crews from Ulah and Westside fire departments and Randolph County EMS responded. While firefighters worked to extinguish the fire, Pugh walked back onto Drum Street and was arrested at the scene, authorities said.
Police recovered evidence during a search of Pugh but did not specify what was found.
The Randolph County Fire Marshal’s Office, the Sheriff’s Office Criminal Investigations Division and Crime Scene Investigations are investigating further.
A magistrate found probable cause to issue a warrant for felony second-degree arson. Pugh was also served with two outstanding failure-to-appear warrants.
A magistrate set Pugh’s total bond at $28,000 secured: $25,000 for the arson charge, $1,000 for failure to appear on a probation violation and $2,000 for failure to appear on a misdemeanor assault on a female charge.
Pugh was scheduled to appear in Randolph County District Court.
###
