Ardmore Man Arrested on Felony Arson Charges

Ardmore Arson Case Leads to Felony Charges

An Ardmore man has been arrested on two felony Arson charges. However, investigators believe the Halloween fires were not random.

34-year-old Richard Peery has been charged with first-degree arson for setting fire to a house. Additionally, he is also charged with third-degree arson for setting fire to a pickup truck at the same location.

Authorities say both fires were connected to the same address and the same ignition sequence. Therefore, prosecutors intend to pursue unified felony case arguments.

Penalties Could Be Significant

He faces up to 15 years in jail and a ten thousand dollar fine. Additionally, arson prosecutors note that first-degree arson is among the most serious criminal fire offenses in the state.

Peery’s bond is set at seventy-five thousand dollars and he remains in the Carter County Jail. Additionally, investigators are still processing multiple forensic burn pattern samples.

Officials say arson cases significantly strain rural fire and public safety resources. Therefore, both the structural fire and the vehicle fire will factor into evidence presentation at preliminary hearing.

Halloween historically generates higher emergency call volume. Additionally, law enforcement notes that this case now shifts into criminal motive assessment — not accidental fire origin review.

Ardmore leaders say community safety remains priority one heading into holiday season events. Therefore, investigators want additional residents to report suspicious ignition behavior immediately.

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