ONSLOW COUNTY, NC – A Jacksonville woman has been arrested and charged with multiple offenses, including felony malicious use of an explosive or incendiary, after a residential fire occurred Tuesday morning in Onslow County.
On August 19, 2025, at approximately 8:00 a.m., Onslow County Sheriff’s Office deputies responded to a 911 call about a structure fire on Countrywood Drive. Upon arrival, deputies spoke with the homeowner, Deshuan Middleton, who reported that he was asleep when the fire began and awoke to find the home ablaze.
Middleton told deputies that only he and his girlfriend, Arielle Payton, 25, had access to the home and were both inside earlier that morning. However, Payton was not present when deputies arrived at the scene.
She was later located and taken into custody on unrelated outstanding warrants. Following further investigation, deputies developed probable cause to charge her in connection with the fire.
Payton has been formally charged with:
Felony Malicious Use of Explosive or Incendiary
Misdemeanor Simple Assault (2 counts)
Second-Degree Trespassing
She is currently held at the Onslow County Detention Center under a $43,750 secured bond. Her next court appearance is scheduled for Wednesday, September 3.
Middleton sustained minor injuries, and the investigation remains active and ongoing, according to officials.
