Burglar Starts Fire

Early Tuesday morning a 911 call went out concerning a burglary and a fire at the same location.  According to the report filed with the Wilkes Sheriff's Office, the homeowner woke up when she heard her dogs barking about 2am.  Then she heard what sounded like someone in her basement.  She turned on her outside light, she saw a man she recognized.  She went to call 911, but before she could get to the phone, smoke started coming out of her vents from a fire in the basement.  She ran out of the house and called 911.  Firefighters and Sheriff's Deputies both arrived on the scene.  The suspect fled into the woods, but was later apprehended by Sheriff's Deputies.  Michael Cicero Royal of McGrady was arrested and charged with First Degree Arson.  The fire was mainly contained to the basement but the floor of the home was burned and there was smoke damage throughout the house.  Damages were estimated at 25,000 dollars.  No injuries were reported.