A brutal late-night attack in Roseboro has left a woman fighting for her life and a suspect on the run, according to deputies in Sampson County. Investigators say a man forced his way into a home late Saturday, doused the resident with gasoline and set her on fire. Firefighters found the woman with burns covering roughly two-thirds of her body, and she was rushed to a trauma center for treatment. The suspect allegedly fled on a bicycle, and a manhunt is under way in the small Sampson County town south of Raleigh.
In a statement, the Sampson County Sheriff’s Office said it had obtained documents accusing a named suspect of first-degree arson, first-degree burglary and other charges after consulting with the local prosecutor’s office, according to the Associated Press. The AP reports that officials did not immediately release additional details about the woman’s condition.
Who deputies are searching for
Local reporting identifies the suspect as Franklin “Frankie” Paul Faircloth, 29, who is believed to be homeless and was seen leaving the scene on a gray and red bicycle, according to WRAL. WRAL reports that Faircloth faces felony first-degree arson, felony first-degree burglary, felony assault and a misdemeanor domestic-violence charge. Anyone with information about his whereabouts is asked to call the Sampson County Sheriff’s Office at 910-592-4141.
Charges and what they mean
Authorities say the documents accuse the suspect of serious felonies that could bring substantial prison time if prosecutors decide to move forward with them. The prosecutor’s office will determine what formal charges to file and how to proceed, according to reporting by Spectrum News. Investigators continue to canvass the area and review evidence collected at the scene.
How neighbors can help
Deputies are asking anyone who witnessed the incident or who has any information to contact the Sampson County Sheriff’s Office at 910-592-4141, or call 911 in an emergency. Officials are urging residents not to confront anyone who matches the suspect’s description and to let law enforcement handle any potential sightings.
