MOORESVILLE, N.C. — Deputies arrested a man after he allegedly set a home on fire which resulted in two firefighters being injured and the death of six pets inside the home, according to a news release.
Eric Cherry, 54, of Mt. Ulla, has been charged with felony second degree arson, six counts of felony cruelty to animals, and felony arson or other unlawful burning that results in serious injury to a firefighter or emergency medical technician.
Eric Cherry
Deputies and fire crews were called to the home on Indian Springs Drive in Mooresville on Thursday, August 1st.
The two firefighters injured while fighting the fire are both expected to make a full recovery, according to a news release.
Investigators say they learned that a report had been filed on Tuesday, July 30th involving Cherry. He is accused of reportedly breaking a window at the residence due to a domestic dispute with his girlfriend. Deputies on the scene overheard a telephone conversation in which Cherry made threats against the victim, according to a news release.
Cherry was subsequently arrested at his residence for those threats. On Wednesday, August 7th, following a thorough investigation, felony arrest warrants were issued for Cherry due to the arson.
Cherry appeared before a magistrate but was denied bond on his charges.
Cherry has an extensive criminal history including: Misdemeanor Larceny, Driving While License Revoked, Domestic Violence Protection Order Violation, Felony Obtaining Property By False Pretenses, Felony Failure to Report New Address- Sex Offender, Fictitious Information to an Officer, Felony Second Degree Kidnapping, Misdemeanor Disorderly Conduct, Felony Possession With Intent To Sell and Deliver Schedule 2, Misdemeanor Littering in Public, Misdemeanor Possession of Marijuana, and Misdemeanor Breaking into a Coin/ Currency Machine.
