MURRELLS INLET, S.C. (WBTW) – Horry County Police Officers arrested a man investigators believe is responsible for dozens of arson cases committed in the Murrells Inlet and Garden City area in the past two and a half years.
Friday afternoon police arrested, 21-year-old Ryan Casiere, from Murrells Inlet as a person of interest in two early-morning fires in Murrells Inlet. After interviewing Casiere, police found he was also responsible for dozens of other arson cases in Murrells Inlet and Garden City area.
Officers responded to the Powerhouse Bar and Grill on Hwy 17 Bypass around 2:00 Friday morning after someone saw trash containers near the business on fire. According to the police arrest warrants, security cameras caught Casiere lighting the bins on fire. Police say he left the scene without making any attempts to put the fire out.
Just a few hours later, officers responded to a second arson call at 1322 Beaufort River Road where a new home under construction was completely destroyed by what police call “an intentionally set fire”. In police reports, Casiere admits to his direct involvement in that fire.
Also during the course of the interview, the report indicates Casiere admitting to lighting over 20 garbage dumpsters in the area between October 2012 and April 2015.
Police say the detective and the investigators are working closely with the Solicitor’s Office to prosecute a significant number of cases. This arrest is the result of a joint investigation conducted by personnel from HCPD, SLED, ATF, MI/GC FD, and HCFR for the past 2 ½ years.
Casiere is held at J. Reuben Long Detention center on $35,000 bond.
