Set bed fire leads to attempted murder charge, $1 million bond
James Rico Gore was carrying clothing from the Pete Circle home he allegedly tried to set ablaze Monday morning as Tabor City Fire Chief Jeff Fowler exited the house behind him. (Deuce Niven, TLT)
By DEUCE NIVEN
tribdeuce@tabor-loris.com
Attempted murder and arson charges were served on a Tabor City man who allegedly set a bed on fire inside a Pete Circle home Monday morning, Sept. 1.
James Rico Gore, 54, was charged with two counts of attempted murder, arson, and five counts of resisting law enforcement, Sgt. Justin McKeithan of the Tabor City Police Department said.
Gore’s arson charge may be modified because there was no structural damage to the home, McKeithan said. That charge remained late Monday.
Gore, with a criminal history that dates back to at least 2001 was most recently released from state prison in March. His bond on the charges Monday was set at $1 million.
Bed fire
Victims of Gore’s actions include his mother, Eva Livingston, and a 5 year-old girl who was in the home, McKeithan said.
Gore had recently taken up residence in the single-story home on a dead-end section of Pete Circle, Maj. Christopher Hilburn said, after being banned from a West 6th Street house. It was not clear why, but Gore allegedly used a lighter to set the bed covering on a bed on fire.
“Momma put it out,” Fire Chief Fowler said. “She smothered it out.”
When firefighters arrived there was no fire, and Gore was taking clothing from the house and piling it on the hood of a car outside. Officer Joshua Waters and Chief Fowler spoke with Gore inside.
“He assaulted me and Waters in the house,” Fowler said. “He shoved us.”
Gore has a history of violence against law enforcement officers and called for additional officers to assist as Gore, calmly it seemed, began to walk away from the house with several firefighters following, at a distance.
Hilburn, who was off duty, said he rushed to assist when told that Gore was the suspect. Hilburn, McKeithan, and others took Gore into custody in the Tabor City IGA parking lot.
“He fought us,” Hilburn said.
Look for more on this story in this week’s Tabor-Loris Tribune in print and online.
