Suspect wanted for setting homeless man on fire arrested; possible witnesses wanted

ASHEVILLE, N.C. (WLOS) — The Asheville Police Department confirms they have arrested Robert Charles Austin. Austin, 66, who is charged with attempted murder, was taken into custody early Wednesday morning by Asheville Police. Authorities say just before 2 a.m. Wednesday, officers responding to an alarm at Papa's and Beer at 17 Tunnel Round, discovered Austin outside the business and took him into custody without incident.

Police say Austin intentionally set a homeless man on fire in East Asheville just before 1 a.m. Sunday morning. The 58-year-old victim was last listed in critical condition at the Wake Forest Baptist Health Burn Center in Winston-Salem.

The initial investigation indicates someone had poured an accelerant on the man and ignited it.

On Tuesday, the Asheville Police Department announced Robert Charles Austin was wanted on charges of attempted first-degree murder.

Austin is being held in the Buncombe County Jail on a $250,000 bond.

The Asheville Police Department is asking for assistance from the public in identifying two potential witnesses in the case. The drivers of the white GMC Sierra pickup truck and silver Jeep Liberty SUV depicted in the surveillance photos may have information that would be beneficial to the investigation due to their presence in the area not long before the incident took place. Neither driver is considered a suspect in the case.

Anyone who has information concerning the incident in question or potential witnesses is asked to call APD at 828-252-1110 or Asheville-Buncombe Crimestoppers at 828-255-5050. Callers may remain anonymous with both numbers.

This is an ongoing investigation. Check back with wlos.com for updates.