Horry County police investigating possible arson after Thursday evening fire

Horry County police are investigating a possible arson of a single-wide mobile home on Freemont Road in Loris, after Horry County Fire Rescue responded to a fire at the home Thursday evening, according to a press release.

When police arrived on-scene they learned from an Horry County Fire Rescue arson investigator that the fire had been extinguished, and that a K9 dog made a positive alert that accelerant had been used near on the floor near the back door, officials said.

The investigator said that there were several points of origin where the fire was started, but on time of arrival the living room was the only room on fire.

According to the investigator, the tenant had been served eviction papers from his landlord and Thursday was the last day before he had to leave.

The landlord stated that the tenant was behind on his rent payments, which the tenant denied. According to the tenant, there was an agreement that stated the tenant would have a lowered rent payment if he completed repairs to the floors and walls. The tenant stated that he spent $3,000 on repairs.

According to the release, the tenant became angry several times, stating that “the investigator and officer were accusing him of burning his own house down, and stated several times that he did not burn his house down.” Officials stated that as the officer spoke with the tenant he often changed his story on who had called him.

Evidence was collected by the investigator and will be submitted for analysis.

This story was originally published July 7, 2017 at 8:55 PM with the headline "Horry County police investigating possible arson after Thursday evening fire."