EMERALD ISLE — Cpl. Jamison K. Hardy, 22, was charged by the Emerald Isle Police Department with second degree arson, felony breaking and entering and felony cruelty to animals.
According to authorities, at approximately 1:30 p.m. Wednesday, the Emerald Isle Fire Department responded to a report of a structure fire at 8717 Plantation Drive in the Emerald Isle Plantation subdivision, which is owned by John Ramos. Emerald Isle police and the Western Carteret Fire Department also responded to the scene.
According to the EIPD, there was visible smoke coming from the structure when units arrived and firefighters were able to extinguish the fire inside the residence.
The fire was reported by a neighbor who was inside her residence, heard a loud noise and, after going to investigate, saw smoke coming from the residence. She immediately called 911.
Authorities say the fire was intentionally set by pouring accelerant throughout the residence.
While investigators were processing the crime scene, Emerald Isle Police Officer S. Moots, who was guarding the perimeter, was approached by Hardy who informed him that he had set the fire inside the residence, according to a press release from EIPD. Investigators working the scene were notified by Moots and informed of Hardy’s admission.
Hardy was then taken to the police department where he confessed to setting fire to the residence of his father-in-law, John Ramos.
According to police, Hardy entered the residence through a side garage door where he obtained a container filled with gasoline. He then allegedly went inside the house, locked the dog in the bathroom and proceeded to douse the residence with the gasoline. He then allegedly ignited the gasoline and fled on foot.
According to police, Hardy said he lost his keys sometime during this incident and was unable to leave the scene after starting the fire.
Police are reporting that mental health issues and family problems may be a factor behind the fire being set.
Police are estimating approximately $200,000 in damage to the residence. No one was inside the residence at the time the fire was set; however, the dog was found deceased inside the bathroom.
Hardy is stationed at Camp Lejeune with weapons company, 1st Battalion, 6th Marines, according to EIPD.
Bond was set at $25,000. His first court appearance was scheduled for 9 a.m. Thursday.
No further information is available at this time.