Neighbor Charged With Setting Cornelius Fires

Cornelius Police on Friday arrested a Cornelius resident in connection with a series of arson fires in the Glenridge neighborhood where he lived. Robert Joseph Prevatte, 31, of Meadow Crossing Lane, was charged with two counts of first-degree arson, two counts of second-degree arson and two counts of burning personal property. He is being held in Mecklenburg County Jail on $210,000 secured bond. Meanwhile, police are also investigating whether the man might be involved in fires in other states. The charges against Mr. Prevatte are related to four fires: Dec. 21, 2010 - 10524 Meadow Crossing Lane April 8, 2011 - 10246 Meadow Crossing Lane. Read the story here. May 31, 2011 - 10211 Meadow Crossing Lane. Read the story here. Aug. 27, 2011 - 10250 Meadow Crossing Lane. Read the story here. Police said they're continuing to investigate. They said they're providing assistance to police agencies in other states where Cornelius police detectives have discovered similar patterns of suspicious fires related to the suspect's movements in the past. Cornelius police said Friday they would not release any additional details about the case. Since this spring's fires, police have stepped up patrols in the neighborhood and met with neighbors. In a statement Friday, they thanked neighbors: Cornelius Police would like to thank the Glenridge Community first and foremost for their tips and support that was crucial in this investigation. We would also like to recognize the Mecklenburg County District Attorney, Mecklenburg County Fire Marshal, and the Alcohol, Tobacco and Firearms (ATF) Office who were active daily participants in this investigation. We would also like to thank the NC State Bureau of Investigation (SBI) and the numerous out of state agencies that have put great effort into supporting us. HAVE INFORMATION? Anyone with information about the fires is asked to contact the Cornelius Police Department at 704-892-7773. Tips can be anonymous.