Caldwell County Sheriff’s Office arrests Granite Falls man for arson/breaking and entering

LENOIR, NC (September 11, 2019) — Sheriff Alan C. Jones announces that during the afternoon of September 10, 2019, Members of the Gamewell Fire Department responded to a fire call located at 3372 Ivey Stine Road in the Gamewell Community.  The fire was swiftly subdued, and Fire Investigators with the Caldwell County Fire Marshal’s Office determined that the fire would be classified as Incendiary.  It was determined early that there were multiple points of origin for the Fire.

Deputies with the Caldwell County Sheriff’s Office responded to the scene and began a criminal investigation related to the Arson.  Based on information obtained from witnesses at the scene Investigators were able to determine Austin Ryan Setzer, 19 years of age, of 5144 Hurricane Hill Road, Granite Falls was responsible for the Arson.  It was also determined that the house was occupied at the time the fire was set by Setzer.  Prior to the fire Setzer made forcible entry to the residence causing damage to various parts of the home.

Warrants for Arrest were issued for Austin Setzer and he was placed under arrest without incident later in the day at his residence.

Austin Ryan Setzer has been Charged with One Count of First-Degree Arson and one count of Felony Breaking and Entering.  His bond is set a $150,000.00 Secured and his first appearance in District Court is set for 09/11/2019.  Investigators are consulting with the District Attorney in relation to additional criminal charges in this case.

If you have any information related to this Arson case, please contact the Caldwell County Sheriff’s Office at 828-757-1400 or if you wish to remain anonymous please contact the Caldwell County Crime Stoppers at 828-758-8300.