ACCOMACK, Va., April 3 (UPI) -- A couple, charged with arson, are suspected of involvement in up to 77 arson incidents since November on Virginia's Eastern Shore, police said.
Tonya Susan Bundick, 40, and Charles R. Smith III, 38, also known as Charlie Applegate, were arrested and charged Tuesday with arson counts in connection with a fire in Melfa, Va.
Police said they are confident the two are responsible for a majority of fires, typically set in vacant rural and commercial buildings, in the area since November.
The five-month rampage involved an investigation that included the Virginia State police, 12 volunteer fire departments, the Accomack County, Va., Sheriff's Office and over 1,200 hotline tips, The Virginian-Pilot newspaper in Norfolk,. Va., reported Wednesday.
