Three arrested in Cherokee County fire

Adam Mcgee           Joseph Lindsey         Brittany Crawford

Cherokee County authorities say a vehicle fire foiled some scrap metal thieves.

It happened Monday night in Cherokee County.  Sheriff Jeff Shaver says firefighters responded to a fire that destroyed several vehicles. The property owners said one vehicle, a GMC Envoy, didn't belong. 

Deputies arrested three people seen walking along Highway 411, and a tag check revealed the SUV belonged to the mother of one of the suspects.

Investigators say the three were trying to steal scrap metal when the vehicle was stuck in the mud, and a hot exhaust pipe set a grass fire.

21 year old Adam McGee, 18 year old Joseph Lindsey,  and 20 year old Brittany Crawford,  are charged with first degree criminal mischief, second degree criminal trespass, and and willful, malicious, or Intentionally setting of a grass or woods fire.