Runaway charged with arson in Statesville

A 17-year-old runaway has been charged in connection with an arson investigation in Statesville.

Nicholas James Adams is charged with second degree arson for an incident on Sunday at 682 Old Mountain Road.

He also is charged with breaking and entering, larceny after breaking and entering and setting fire to grass and other landscape material.

The arson investigation began to center on Adams Sunday as Iredell County deputies were investigating a call about a runaway juvenile. Police in Troutman were assisting, according to a report from Sheriff Darren Campbell.

As authorities searched for Adams, detectives were called to Old Mountain Road for a case involving breaking and entering and arson, Campbell’s report said.

Meanwhile, a second report of arson was reported in a wooded area near the Lippard Springs subdivision. Investigators found Adams, questioned him and charged him in connection with the incident Sunday.

Adams has previously been charged by Troutman police with burning personal property, the report said.

Adams was being held in the Iredell County Detention Center, with bond set at 25,000. Adams is currently on probation for charges stemming from his arrest in Troutman, Campbell’s report said.

This story was originally published May 16, 2016 at 12:42 PM with the headline "Runaway charged with arson in Statesville."