Last Updated on June 24, 2026 7:37 pm
GRASSY CREEK, N.C. — A Fleetwood man is behind bars following an arson investigation tied to a June house fire that destroyed a structure on Old Highway 16 in Grassy Creek.
Sheriff B. Phil Howell announced the arrest of Bobby Allen Pennington Jr., 47, of Fleetwood, NC, after the Ashe County Sheriff’s Office concluded an investigation into the blaze.
On June 8, 2026, Ashe County 911 Dispatch received a report of a structure fire in progress around 8:45 p.m. New River Fire Department arrived on scene at 8:55 p.m., followed shortly by units from Jefferson and Lansing Fire Departments. While crews were able to contain the fire, the home was determined to be a total loss.
Fire Marshal Josh Steelman and Deputy Fire Marshal Earnie Eldreth launched an extensive investigation to determine the origin and cause of the fire. After a thorough examination of the scene and collection of evidence, findings were presented to Detective Chase Baldwin, who secured criminal charges against Pennington based on the evidence obtained.
Pennington was arrested and transported to the Ashe County Detention Center without incident. He is currently being held on a $77,000 secured bond.
Pennington faces the following charges:
- Felony Second Degree Arson
- Resisting Public Officer
- 2 Counts Probation Violation
- False Ambulance Request
Authorities note this investigation remains ongoing, and additional charges may be pending.
