ACCOMACK COUNTY, Va. (WTVR) - One person has been charged in connection with an overnight arson on Virginia's Eastern Shore. Tonya S. Bundick, 40, of Parksley, is charged with one count of arson and one count of conspiracy to commit arson, according to Virginia State Police spokeswoman Corinne Geller.
Geller said Bundick is charged in connection with a Monday night arson set on Airport Drive in Melfa, Virginia. Police said Bundick was arrested during a traffic stop near where the fire burned.
"Thanks to the immediate response of the Melfa Volunteer Fire Department, the fire was quickly extinguished causing minimal damage to the structure," Geller wrote in an email.
Bundick is being held without bond at the Accomack County Jail, police said.
As the the investigation continues those overseeing the horrific crime spree say they are dedicated to easing the fears from those who may have found themselves at one point living in harms way.
"It's been a long four months and we've worked hand-in-hand with the police and I think we're finally going to bring this to a closure," Accomack County Sheriff Todd Godwin said.
The arsons have not only been difficult for residents, but for the Eastern Shore Volunteer firefighters who have spent over 3,700 hours fighting the fires.
At this time detectives are still trying to determine if Bundick is connected to the other 76 arsons. And a second person is being questioned about the case.
Police ask anyone with information about Bundick or the arson fires to call the Accomack County Arson Tip Line at 757-655-1437.
The Virginia State Police and Accomack County Sheriff’s Office will hold a press conference at 3:30 p.m. on Tuesday afternoon in front of the Accomack County Sheriff’s Office. New information is set to be released.
We'll update this link throughout the day as new information becomes available.
