The Lexington Police Department reports that two people have been charged in connection with the fire that killed Lexington Fire Captain Ronnie Metcalf.
Just after midnight on Tuesday, the Lexington Fire Department responded to a house fire on West 5th Street. When they arrived, they saw flames and smoke at the back of the house, so firefighters went inside to extinguish the fire. A few minutes later, they were told to vacate the building, and crews discovered that one firefighter was missing.
Captain Ronnie Metcalf, a firefighter, was found by search crews and rushed to the hospital with severe burns. He reportedly has burns covering 60% of his body.
The Lexington Fire Department reports that Metcalf died on Friday at Atrium Wake Forest Baptist Health.
Law enforcement resumed their investigation into the fire and arrested Brandon Alan Hoskins, 31, of Lexington, and Stacie Blair Stegall, 37, of Lexington, on warrants for breaking and entering the burned-out residence on Saturday evening.
Police say they apprehended the couple at a property on the 30 block of Mill Street, which they had also illegally entered. They were both charged with extra misdemeanor breaking and entering.
While serving the warrant, authorities discovered evidence of unlawful drug possession and charged the two with felony possession of methamphetamines and drug paraphernalia.
Hoskins and Stegall were arrested at the Davidson County Jail and are being held without bond while awaiting their initial court appearances.
Police said the investigation is ongoing. It involves a number of law enforcement and emergency agencies.
Anyone with information on this case is encouraged to contact the Lexington Police Department at (336) 243-3302 or Lexington Area Crime Stoppers at (336) 243-2400.