UPDATE: Arrest made in Herritage St. fire
UPDATE:
On Tuesday, June 14, 2022, the members of the Kinston Fire Department and Kinston Police Department responded to a structure fire at G-Works Automotive. During the investigation, it was determined the fire had been intentionally set. On Wednesday, June 15, 2022, investigators with the Kinston Police Department obtained warrants on Willie McPhail, 09/25/1970 for eight (8) counts of Felony Burning of Personal Property and one count (1) of Burning of Certain Buildings (1 count). Investigators also executed a search warrant at the residence of Mr. McPhail and discovered additional evidence. Mr. McPhail was booked into the Lenoir County jail under a secured bond.
The Kinston Police Department places the highest priority on investigating crimes of violence perpetrated in our city. We will continue to investigate such cases with no compromise for crime, and continue to seek assistance from the communities that we proudly serve. This case, as are all violent crimes until adjudicated, remains under investigation and anyone with information is encouraged to call the Kinston Police Department’s Tips Line at 252-939-4020 or Lenoir County Crime Stoppers at 252-523-4444.
PREVIOUS STORY:
All Kinston Department of Fire and Rescue (KDFR) Companies were dispatched to a reported Working Structure Fire at 417 N. Heritage Street, G-Works Automotive on Wednesday, June 15, 2022 in the early morning hours of 3:56 AM. Crews arrived quickly to the fire scene.
Due to heavy fire involvement, Southwood Volunteer Fire Department (SVFD), was also requested to respond to assist with fire suppression efforts at the scene. With collaborated efforts, KDFR along with SVFD had the incident rapidly controlled within a half an hour from report and dispatch.
The incident occurred in the rear parking area/repair yard of the structure. Multiple vehicles were involved in the fire. The building sustained minor damage. There was no one on the fire scene upon KDFR's arrival. No reports of injuries.
An Investigation was quickly started and is under way with members from the KDFR Origin and Cause Investigations Team, Detectives from the Kinston Police Department, Special Agents from the North Carolina State Bureau of Investigations and the North Carolina Office of the State Fire Marshal.
Updates will be given when further information is received by the investigations team at a later time.
