THOMASVILLE, N.C. — A local 911 operator and wife of a High Point police officer is accused of setting her family's home on fire in Thomasville.
Thomasville police said they arrested Theresa Varner, 39, for arson in the Grace Drive fire. She was released from jail after posting an $8,000 bond. Police haven't released a motive at this time.
Police said a vigilant neighbor saw smoke coming from the home early Wednesday morning and called for help. The home was destroyed in the blaze, and the family's dog and cat also died.
Varner, her husband, and their 9-year-old son weren't inside when it happened.
Varner is a High Point 911 Master Telecommunicator and her husband is a High Point Police Officer who was getting ready to retire. Thomasville police said there's no evidence indicating that Varner's husband was involved in the crime.
The City of High Point said Varner is now on paid administrative leave.
Two neighboring homes were also damaged in the fire.
Before the arrest, High Point police were organizing fundraising efforts for the family. Now, they've paused their gift card drive. The department said anyone with questions about their donation can call 336.887.7805 for assistance.
Varner is also charged with two counts of felony cruelty to animals. She is in Davidson County court at 2 p.m. on Friday. Her family is supporting her during the trial. Prosecutors said Varner wasn't initially truthful about what happened. Her lawyer said she fully confessed to the crime and isn't a flight risk.
Police said the father and son are living with family.
If convicted, Varner could face about 40 years in prison.
The Department of Insurance's Criminal Investigations Division and the Office of the State Fire Marshal are investigating the fire at the request of the Thomasville Police Department and Thomasville Fire Department, NCDOI Communications Manager Barry Smith told WFMY News 2.
RELATED: High Point officer and wife, who is a 911 operator, lose everything in house fire, police say
The High Point Police Chief, Curtis Cheeks III released a statement Friday:
Earlier this week, firefighters responded to a fire at a home belonging to one of our patrol officers. Fellow officers, members of the High Point Police Department’s Executive Staff, and representatives from the department’s Peer Support Team and Chaplains Team went to the neighborhood and remained with the officer throughout the day.
They provided food, water, clothing, and support, and coordinated with community partners for additional resources. Many of our community members also reached out, looking for ways to show their support. Fire investigators have determined the fire was intentionally set. An individual who lived in the home has been charged. The individual is not an employee of the High Point Police Department. The fire did not happen within our department’s jurisdiction. Any other information will need to come from the agency handling the investigation.
Right now, my focus as Chief of Police is on our officer’s well-being. We will continue to provide him resources to ensure his physical and emotional needs are met. At this time, we’ve been able to assist with his most pressing needs and have paused the Gift Card Drive.
Anyone with questions about previous donations dropped off at the police department can call 336.887.7805 for assistance. On one of the most difficult days of his life, our officer received an outpouring of kindness from the community. Your generosity is not lost on us, and I thank you for it.
Many people in our community consistently show support for our department and the men and women who work to protect this city. We are proud to serve the City of High Point.
The City of High Point released a statement on Friday about the incident:
"Early Wednesday morning, we were informed of a tragic situation regarding a house fire in Thomasville impacting two current city employees, a Police Officer and a 911 Telecommunicator. There has been an outpouring of support and the High Point Police Department has taken a lead role in helping to coordinate.
On Friday afternoon, Teresa Varner, an 11-year employee in the 911 Division of the High Point ITS Department, was charged with arson for this incident. Mrs. Varner has been placed on paid administrative leave, and the city will follow appropriate personnel procedures going forward."