LENOIR, N.C. (WBTV) - A Rhodhiss man was pulled from his burning home Tuesday night by the Chief of Police after he passed the blaze while following a speeding car.
Rhodhiss Chief of Police Tim Anthony told WBTV News on Tuesday that he saw a man drive past him at a high rate of speed around 7:30 p.m. and decided to follow him.
According to a Caldwell County spokesperson, the speeding car had its hazards activated. Both Chief Anthony and the speeding driver stopped at a home in the 200 block of Church Street, which was engulfed in smoke and flames.
Chief Anthony knew someone lived in the home.
He and the driver kicked in the back door of the home and found Robert Lee Curtis, Jr. laying on the couch, said Caldwell County Assistant Fire Marshal Kevin Brown.
Curtis was dragged to safety and both and the chief were treated by firefighters for smoke inhalation.
Brown says Curtis was taken to Frye Regional Medical Center with minor injures.
The Fire Marshal's office was called in to investigate and believe the fire was intentionally set.
"It appears the fire was started using combustible materials in the attic of the home," said Brown.
"Damages were mostly confined to the attic with smoke and water damage to the rest of the house totaling about $5,000. The investigation is continuing and charges are pending," he added.
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