Tag: 17612718

CHAPEL HILL, N.C. (WTVD) — The man believed to be responsible for a fire at a Chapel Hill hotel was found dead inside the building, the police chief said Friday afternoon.

Around 4:30 a.m., the Chapel Hill Fire Department responded to a fire alarm at The Siena Hotel on East Franklin Street, evacuating about 50 people from the building. There were no reported injuries among the guests.

Authorities said the man believed to be responsible for the fire, 60-year-old Randall Moore Bullock of Chapel Hill, was found dead inside the hotel.

Witness video shared with Eyewitness News captured the fire that broke out inside the building.

At around 6:30 a.m., a person trapped on a balcony was safely evacuated.

Police Chief Celisa Lehew confirmed that Bullock was not connected to this individual.

Featured video is from a previous report.

CHAPEL HILL, N.C. (WTVD) — Chapel Hill authorities are investigating a fire that broke out at The Siena Hotel early Friday morning as arson.

The Chapel Hill Fire Department responded to a fire alarm around 4:30 a.m., evacuating about 50 people from the building. Thankfully, no injuries have been reported.

Around 6:30 a.m., a person who had been stuck on a balcony was safely evacuated. Witness video captured flames inside the building, but the fire has since been extinguished.

During a press conference, Chapel Hill Police Chief Celisa Lehew said that surveillance footage and interviews suggest the suspect is still inside the hotel. Authorities are working to locate the individual safely.

Lehew also clarified that the suspect is not connected to the person rescued from the balcony.

East Franklin Street is currently closed between Estes Drive and Elliott Road, and people are advised to avoid the area.