Gastonia, N.C. -August 4, 2022: Detectives from the Gastonia Police Department (GPD) are investigating an arson that occurred inside an occupied business this morning. Investigators are releasing surveillance video from the business and are asking for the public’s help in identifying the suspect.
At approximately 5:45 this morning, the Gastonia Fire Department responded to a reported business fire at Tony’s Ice Cream located at 604 E. Franklin Boulevard. Gastonia Fire Department personnel arrived on the scene to find nothing showing from the business. Firefighters made entry into the business and determined that a fire had occurred inside.
The Gastonia Fire Marshal’s Office conducted an origin and cause investigation and determined that the cause of the fire was incendiary in nature and contacted the Gastonia Police Department to begin a criminal investigation.
During the investigation, GPD detectives determined that the suspect broke a window to the business, threw a flammable accelerant inside the broken window, and fled the area. An employee of Tony’s Ice Cream who was working inside the business at the time of the arson was not injured.
This remains an active investigation. Anyone with information regarding this arson or this suspect is asked to call Crime Stoppers of Gaston County at 704-861-8000. Callers may remain anonymous.
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