FAYETTEVILLE, NC - Authorities have arrested a Fayetteville man in connection with a vehicle fire last week that investigators have deemed incendiary.

On June 13, 2025, at approximately 12:34 a.m., the Fayetteville Fire Department responded to a report of a vehicle fire at 2212 Indian Creek Drive. Firefighters arriving at the scene found a gray 2021 Kia Forte actively burning. The vehicle displayed a shattered driver's side window and significant fire damage concentrated in the driver's seat area.

Due to suspicious circumstances surrounding the blaze, fire personnel requested assistance from the Cumberland County Sheriff's Office Fire Investigation Unit. Detectives examining the scene determined the fire was incendiary, originating from two distinct points: the driver's seat and a plastic bottle located on the roof near the driver's side doors. The investigation concluded that an improvised incendiary device, commonly known as a Molotov cocktail, was used.

Following the investigation, on June 18, 2025, Carlos Eduardo Hernandez-Nieves, a 33-year-old white male, was arrested. He faces charges of malicious use of explosives, damaging property, and burning of personal property. Hernandez-Nieves was booked into the Cumberland County Detention Center and is being held on a $25,000 secure bond. His first court appearance was scheduled for 2:30 p.m. today, June 19, 2025, at the Cumberland County Detention Center, where he was appointed a public defender as legal counsel.

His disposition hearing has been scheduled for July 9th, 2025 at the Cumberland County Courthouse.