The Cartersville Fire Department responded to 9 Stonehenge Drive Thursday, September 8th, at approximately 3:31 a.m. in reference to a vehicle fire.
The fire department contained the fire and then contacted the Cartersville Police Department for assistance. Responding Officers were advised that this fire was intentionally set and was classified as arson.
The police officers on scene noted that the vehicle had been vandalized with spray paint prior to being set on fire. While most of the paint had been burnt off, the images observed confirmed that the suspect had a personal issue with the owner of the vehicle.
An investigator with the Cartersville Police Department responded to assist and coordinated with the Arson Investigator from the Cartersville Fire Department.
Through the investigation, it was determined that the owner of the vehicle was engaged in a bitter custody issue with his wife resulting in the victim gaining custody of the children on the day of the fire.
Further investigation led to the wife’s boyfriend, Kristopher Mathison. Based on this investigation evidence was obtained indicating that Mathison was responsible for setting the vehicle on fire.
On Monday, September 19, the Cartersville Police Department arrested Mathison at his residence of 129 Johnson Street, Cartersville on various charges including Arson 2nd, Criminal Trespass and Assault with additional charges to follow.