Buxton Man Charged With Arson

A 22-year-old Buxton man is charged with Arson following an April 15 incident at his home in Buxton.

According to court documents, 22-year-old Christian Pearson called Traill County Dispatchers on April 15 to report a fire at his home. The Buxton Fire Department responded and extinguished the fire. When a deputy arrived on scene, he spoke with Pearson, who said he was downstairs watching television when he smelled smoke. Pearson further advised the deputy that when he went upstairs, he observed heavy black smoke from the bathroom/laundry room. Pearson lives at the home with his parents.

On April 24, investigators arrived at the home to identify the origin and cause of the fire. While conducting the investigation, Pearson told investigators that he intentionally set the fire. He was subsequently transported to the Traill County Sheriff’s Office, where he admitted to the crime in a mirandized statement. He admitted to taking two bottles of Charcoal Lighter Fluid and dumping the contents on the dryer and clothes near the dryer, lighting the fire and placing the bottles on top of the dryer.

On April 26, a search warrant was executed for evidence, which turned up a metal tube with burnt plastic, appearing to be a fire damaged lighter; and a burned and melted Charcoal Lighter Fluid can.

In addition, four samples were taken from different locations in the area, which tested positive for charcoal starters and paint thinner.

A summons in the case was signed, and Pearson has been ordered to appear at the Traill County Courthouse on July 10.