July 4th, 2026

Newton County Sheriff Glenn Wheeler said his office was notified of fires at two separate but nearby structures on Hwy 74 East this morning. A witness had observed a male at both places and, soon after, saw the smoke. He was able to give a good description of the male, the truck he was driving and a partial tag number. Newton County Deputies and the Hasty Fire Department were dispatched.
Deputies Mills arrived on scene at the first structure and saw smoke coming from a window. Deputy Richardson arrived shortly after Mills. Deputy Mills forced entry into the house and utilized two fire extinguishers to put out the first fire. He then sped to the second structure, forced entry and was able to put that fire out, The Hasty Fire Department arrived and was assisted in gaining entry to the garage by utilizing their truck to breach the door. They were then able to put water on the damaged portion to cool prevent a flare up.
While Deputies spoke with the witness, a truck matching the description of the suspect drove past. The witness confirmed that he believed it to be the truck and person he had observed at the scene. Deputies were able to catch up with the truck within a short distance and made a traffic stop. When the Deputy approached, he noticed the clothing matched the description given and other items gave him reason to believe the driver was the man the witness had observed. The driver then spontaneously mentioned the houses that had been set on fire but denied any involvement. But items were discovered at the scene that belonged to the driver. Other evidence collected at both scenes confirmed the man had been there.
Deputies arrested Nathan Stuart, aged 45 for two counts of Arson and two counts of Criminal Mischief. He was transported to the Newton County Jail where he will appear before a judge to determine bond.
Earlier in the morning, Newton County Sheriff's Office had received multiple reports of words and phrases being written in the road and driveways using an unknown white powder substance. Some of the things written seemed threatening. While Deputies were talking with Stuart, he said he had written the things using lime. He was additionally charged with Disorderly Conduct.
Sheriff Wheeler said, "Thanks to a very observant witness and the fast action of a couple of Deputies and Fire Fighters, two structures were saved and a man was taken into custody, preventing more damage and terror in the community."

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