Police investigating suspicious fire

The Gaffney police and fire departments are investigating a suspicious fire at 4:30 a.m. Friday, a report at the Gaffney Police Department states.

Gaffney Fire Inspector Nathan Ellis said the fire destroyed the home at 404 Holmes St., Gaffney. Five adults lived at the residence and have been referred to the American Red Cross for assistance.

Ellis said the fire originated on the front porch where a couch was located. According to the report, a female told the fire inspector she fell asleep and was awakened when she heard a loud pop. She said she saw a loud flash and the house was on fire.

Sgt. Mike Segina of the Gaffney Police Department responded to the scene. At this time it has not been determined if the fire was intentionally set, but authorities do consider it to be suspicious, the report states.

Police say man

stole tools

Gaffney police have charged a Chesnee man with stealing tools, according to a warrant at the Gaffney Police Department.

Detective Sgt. Scott Wylie of the Gaffney Police Department has charged Michael Jacob Moore of 248 Casey Creek Road with 2nddegree nonviolent burglary.

According to the warrant for his arrest, Moore entered a building belonging to Edward Cazel at 209 S. Johnson St., Gaffney, and stole various tools.

Two accused

of stealing copper

Two Gaffney men were arrested at 11 p.m. Thursday and accused of stealing copper.

Christopher Michael Upchurch, 33, of 2029 McKowns Mountain Road, and George Edward Byars, 52, of 138 1/2 Jefferson St., are each charged with petty larceny and malicious damage to property.

Cherokee County Sheriff's Deputy Sgt. Richard Turner responded to Aegean Pizza, 910 Cherokee Ave., Gaffney, after being advised that someone was taking copper from the business, a report at the sheriff's office states. Upchurch and Byars were found near the restaurant and were arrested, police said.