Deputies had to put out two fires before arresting a man Saturday for allegedly threatening his mother.
James Earl Whitman, 41, was released on a $1,500 unsecured bond on charges of communicating threats and burning personal property. Jail reports gave his address as 119 Fairfield Dr., Whiteville.
Deputies were called to 199 Fairfield just before midnight Saturday, the report said. Deputy J. Bland immediately used a fire extinguisher and Sgt. Fonvielle used a garden hose on two fires burning in the yard of Melissa Tate’s home. A rug, mattress and two chairs were burned. Deputies Wilson, Reaves, Stewart and Campbell also responded.
Tate told Bland that Whitman, who is her son, threatened to “burn your (expletive) house down,” and set fire to several items outside. Whitmabn was taken into custody at the scene and jailed.
