JACKSONVILLE, N.C. (WITN) – The suspect in the theft of a Jacksonville Fire Department vehicle has been identified.
31-year-old Anthony Biz is charged with fraudulently burning a dwelling, larceny of a motor vehicle, possession of a stolen motor vehicle, and unauthorized burning.
Saturday, just after 3 p.m., the Jacksonville Fire Department went to a structure fire at 413 Nelson Drive. Warrants obtained by WITN show that Biz was the owner of the home and purposefully set it on fire in order to “burn the house down”.
While fighting the fire, officials say a battalion command vehicle was taken from the scene. Warrants say Biz stole a vehicle belonging to the City of Jacksonville.
Soon, officials learned from Pender County dispatchers that the vehicle had been recovered at 4635 NC Highway 50.
The original structure fire on Nelson Drive was resolved with no injuries, according to officials.
Biz is being held in the Onslow County Jail under no bond and has a first court appearance set for Monday.
Anyone with information related to this incident is asked to contact the Jacksonville Police Department at 910-455-4000.
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