Newton County authorities arrested a man on Tuesday morning in connection with two suspected arson cases that damaged nearby structures on Highway 74 East. Deputies credited a vigilant witness and rapid collaboration between law enforcement and firefighters for preventing further damage.
Sheriff Glenn Wheeler said his office was alerted to the fires early in the day. A witness observed a man near both locations shortly before seeing smoke rise from the structures. The witness provided deputies with a detailed description of the man, his vehicle, and a partial license plate number.
Deputies and the Hasty Fire Department were dispatched to the first scene. Deputy Mills arrived to find smoke emanating from a window of the residence. After forcing entry, he extinguished the fire using two fire extinguishers. Mills then rushed to the second site, where he again forced entry and put out another fire before it could spread. Firefighters later used their truck to breach a garage door at the second location, allowing them to apply water to damaged areas and prevent reignition.
While speaking with the witness, deputies saw a truck matching the suspect vehicle’s description drive past. The witness positively identified the truck and its driver. Deputies stopped the vehicle a short distance away and noted that the driver’s clothing and other items matched the witness’s description.
The man, identified as 45-year-old Nathan Stuart, allegedly made unsolicited statements about the fires to deputies but denied involvement. Evidence recovered from both scenes, however, linked him to the locations. Stuart was arrested and charged with two counts of arson and two counts of criminal mischief. He was transported to the Newton County Jail, where he awaits a bond hearing.
Earlier that morning, deputies had also received reports of threatening words and phrases written on roads and driveways in the area using a white powdery substance. During questioning, Stuart allegedly admitted to writing those messages using lime. An additional charge of disorderly conduct was filed against him.
Sheriff Wheeler praised the efforts of all involved. “Thanks to a very observant witness and the fast action of a couple of deputies and firefighters, two structures were saved, and a man was taken into custody, preventing more damage and terror in the community.”