North Carolina Battalion Chief Arrested in Connection with Vacant Building Fire
A battalion chief with the Matthews Fire & EMS has been charged with setting fire to a vacant commercial building earlier this month.
According to the official Matthews Police Department media release, Peter William Blaich, 54, was charged with Burning of Certain Buildings (North Carolina General Statute § 14-58.1) in connection with a structure fire at an unoccupied building located at 9550 East Independence Boulevard on January 12, 2026. However, the citation to § 14-58.1 appears to be inaccurate, as that section is simply a definition section. § 14‑62 is titled “Burning of Certain Buildings.”
Law enforcement alleges evidence gathered during the investigation established probable cause for the charge, and a warrant was issued by the Mecklenburg County Magistrate’s Office. The building involved in the incident was a vacant former Boston Market restaurant on East Independence Boulevard in Matthews.
Chief Blaich has reportedly been placed on administrative leave pending an internal investigation, and the town issued a statement that WSOC quoted as saying:
- The Town is aware of the criminal charges announced today by the Matthews Police Department involving a Town employee.
- Upon learning of the situation, immediate action was taken in accordance with policy, and that employee has been placed on leave pending the completion of an administrative investigation.
- The charges involve an individual employee and do not reflect the values, standards, or professionalism of Matthews Fire & EMS, and the Town continues to have full confidence in the department and its leadership.
- As this is an ongoing legal matter and criminal investigation, the Town will not comment further at this time.
The Matthews Police Department continues to investigate the circumstances surrounding the fire. Here is a link to their media release that was posted on their Facebook.
