Man charged with arson after Hopewell mother, four children left without a home in fire
Sep 28, 2026
HOPEWELL, Va. (WRIC) -- A man has been charged with arson after a late August fire left a Hopewell mother and her four young children without a home.
According to Hopewell Fire and EMS, crews were called to the 3300 block of Boston Street at around 7:45 a.m. on Saturday, Aug. 29, for a reported fir
e.
The first fire engine that arrived found smoke showing from a two-story, single-family home.
Officials said one person had sustained significant burn injuries and was taken to a local hospital for treatment.
(Photo: 8News)
The investigation was conducted in coordination with the Hopewell Police Department and with assistance from a Certified Fire Investigator with the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives, authorities said.
Caitlynn Slagle described the week since the fire broke out in her home as devastating. She has four children: ages 1, 4, 5 and 7. According to Slagle, they lost all their toys, clothes and even school supplies.
MORE: Hopewell mother, four kids left homeless after fire
In an update shared in the morning on Monday, Sept. 28, the Hopewell Fire Marshal said Austin Wayne Harvey was arrested on Friday, Sept. 25, and charged with one count of arson in connection with the fire.
He was taken into custody and is currently being held at Riverside Regional Jail. Further charges are pending.
The incident remains under investigation. Anyone with further information is asked to contact the Hopewell Fire Marshal’s Office.
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