Arson suspect accused of setting truck belonging to girlfriend's ex on fire
A Cartersville man is accused of setting another man’s vehicle on fire following a custody battle involving the suspect’s girlfriend.
Kristopher Mathison is facing several charges, including arson, criminal trespassing and assault following the incident earlier this month.
On September 8, Cartersville firefighters responded to a vehicle fire on Stonehenge Drive. Fire officials called in police to assist, stating the fire was intentionally set.
Responding officers said the vehicle, a red truck, had been vandalized with spray paint before it was set on fire. Investigators said the spray paint images confirmed the suspect had a personal issue with the owner of the truck.
Police said the owner of the truck was “engaged in a bitter custody issue” with his wife, and had gained custody of his children on the day the fire happened.
Investigators believe the wife’s boyfriend, identified as Mathison, is responsible for setting the truck on fire.
Mathison was arrested on Monday.