39-year-old Herbert Lee Morrison, Jr. of Old Murdock Road in Troutman was arrested last Thursday (August 24) by Troutman Police Officers. He’s charged with felony counts of second-degree arson and cruelty to animals. He’s also charged with misdemeanor probation violation.

Last Wednesday (August 23), Troutman Fire & Rescue responded to a reported structure fire at an address on Old Murdock Road. Upon arriving, firefighters began extinguishing the fire, which caused significant damage to the residence.

Patrol Division officers with the Troutman Police Department and an investigator with the Iredell County Fire Marshal’s Office responded due to the suspicion of arson. They were assisted during the investigation by the Charlotte Fire Department who provided a canine trained in the detection of accelerants.

The fire was found to be intentionally set and a joint investigation led to warrants being obtained for Herbert Lee Morrison Jr., a resident of the home. He’s charged with the fire, and the cruelty count was added due to the death of a dog during the fire.

Troutman officers and deputies from the Iredell County Sheriff’s Office went to a residence on Oley Road in Statesville where the suspect was believed to be located. Upon the arrival of officers, the suspect fled and was taken into custody after a foot pursuit.

Morrison was transported to the Iredell County Detention Center where he remained as of earlier today (August 28) under $205,000 secured bond. District Court dates are set for September 12 and September 14.