Matthews, NC, Battalion Chief Charged with Burning Vacant Restaurant

Police on Friday arrested and charged a town of Matthews fire department battalion chief with burning a vacant former Boston Market store on East Independence Boulevard.

Peter William Blaich, 54, was charged with the felony offense of burning of certain buildings, according to a Matthews Police Department news release. He was freed on $10,000 unsecured bond, jail records show.

Blaich lives near Lake Norman in Cornelius, according to public records. He could not be reached by The Charlotte Observer on Saturday. The recording on his cellphone said he was not accepting messages.

Blaich was placed on leave pending an administrative investigation, according to a town statement.

“The charges involve an individual employee and do not reflect the values, standards, or professionalism of Matthews Fire & EMS, and the Town continues to have full confidence in the department and its leadership,” according to the statement.

Magistrate finds probable cause for arrest

Police said they made the arrest after “a thorough and comprehensive investigation, in partnership with the Mecklenburg County Fire Marshall’s Office.”

The fire occurred Jan. 12 in the building in the 9550 block of East Independence, police said.

A magistrate found probable cause to charge Blaich and issued a warrant for his arrest, according to the police.

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