Grassy Creek, N.C. – Sheriff B. Phil Howell announces the arrest of 47-year-old Bobby Allen Pennington Jr. of Fleetwood, NC. Pennington has been charged by the Ashe County Sheriff’s Office after an investigation in connection with arson on Old Hwy 16 in Grassy Creek, NC.
On June 8th 2026, Ashe County 911 Dispatch received a call about a structure fire in progress in Grassy Creek around 8:45 pm. New River Fire Department arrived first on scene at 8:55 pm, with Jefferson and Lansing Fire shortly after. The fire was contained, but unfortunately, the home was considered a total loss.
Fire Marshal Josh Steelman and Deputy Fire Marshal Earnie Eldreth initiated an extensive investigation into the structure fire to determine its origin and cause. After conducting a thorough examination of the scene, gathering evidence, and reviewing the findings of the fire investigation, the case was presented to Detective Chase Baldwin. Upon completion of the investigation and based on the evidence obtained, Detective Baldwin secured criminal charges against Pennington in connection with the structure fire.
Pennington was arrested and brought to the Ashe County Detention Center without any further incident. This investigation is still ongoing, and additional charges may be pending.
Bobby Allen Pennington Jr., 47 years old, is being held under a $77,000 secured bond at the Ashe County Detention Center. His charges include:
• Felony Second Degree Arson
• Resisting Public Officer
• 2 Counts Probation Violation
• False Ambulance Request
