North Carolina Woman Charged with 'Burning of Churches' After Setting Fire to Bush Outside House of Worship

A North Carolina woman is accused of "burning of churches" after allegedly setting fire to a bush outside a local church late Tuesday night.

The incident occurred at The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints, where an eyewitness reported seeing the woman light the fire before fleeing the scene, WAVY reported. The suspect, identified as Carrietta Spence, was apprehended by police shortly after the incident.

The fire was reported at around 11:25 p.m., prompting a swift response from Elizabeth City police. Officers found Spence a few blocks away from the church and arrested her without further incident.

Spence has been charged with injury to real property and the burning of churches and other religious buildings. Authorities have yet to release any information regarding a potential motive behind the act, and it remains unclear whether Spence had any prior connection to the church.

Following her arrest, Spence was transported to Albemarle District Jail and held on a $10,000 bond. She is scheduled to make her first court appearance on Thursday to face the charges.