An Edenton resident has been charged with first-degree arson, a felony, for the fire that damaged a home on Johnston Street earlier this month.
Jakiya Armstead, 18, of Luke Street, was arrested on Aug. 1, 2026, in connection with the incident that happened the same day.
According to the court documents, Armstead is accused of “maliciously” burning a home at 712 Johnston St., Edenton, which was inhabited by Mary Copeland and Zamari Person. They were in the building when the blaze started.
No bond was set due to Armstead being charged with a “violent offense.” Attorney Lisa-Ann Jeanette Buczek has been appointed as Armstead’s public defender.
If convicted, Armstead could be sentenced to 38 to 60 months in jail, according to North Carolina General Statutes.
Other Reports
At 7:20 p.m. July 22, 2026, Edenton Police reported an incident on Jackson Street. The suspects were accused of possessing crack cocaine, drug paraphernalia and firearms.
At 8 a.m. July 25, 2026, Edenton Police responded to a report of a vehicle backing into another vehicle, causing damage and leaving the area in the 200 block of Chowan Court, Edenton.
At 9:06 a.m. July 28, 2026, Edenton Police conducted a traffic stop at the intersection of North Granville and West Peterson streets. The unnamed suspect was accused of driving while license revoked.
At 2:38 p.m. Aug. 2, 2026, Edenton Police conducted a traffic stop in a parking lot along North Broad Street. The driver of a 2022 Honda CR-V was accused of driving while impaired, possessing cocaine, and possessing drug paraphernalia.
At 10:40 p.m. Aug. 5, 2026, Edenton Police conducted a traffic stop on Virginia Road. The unnamed suspect is accused of carrying a loaded firearm in the vehicle’s glovebox.