A suspect has been arrested in the investigation of a fire at a historic school building in Buncombe County.
Justin Edward Caristo, 40, of Swannanoa, has been charged with first-degree arson, malicious damage to occupied property by use of an explosive or incendiary device, robbery with a dangerous weapon, second-degree kidnapping and felony breaking and entering. According to one arrest warrant, Caristo broke into a building on Rocky Slope road in Woodfin, where he stole a $250 black trench coat that belonged to Mathew Rees Perry.
Another warrant said Caristo “unlawfully, willfully and feloniously” kidnapped Perry.
Woodfin Police Cheif Michael J. Dykes said Caristo made Perry drive him to the Earth Fare in Asheville.