Terrifying Attack: Stalker Sets Mother and Child’s Home on Fire in Shocking Incident

A Georgia man is facing attempted murder charges after allegedly setting a fire at a home with a mother and her young child inside—just months after previously stalking and harassing the same woman. Authorities say he was on probation for earlier incidents, which included climbing on top of the woman’s car, according to court records.

Charles Battles, 46, is accused of setting the Gordon County home on fire early Saturday morning around 6 a.m. before fleeing. Local authorities launched a manhunt over the weekend, and Battles was arrested Sunday. He now faces multiple charges, including arson, aggravated stalking, and attempted murder. The mother and child survived the fire, though the home was destroyed.

“The home was occupied at the time by a woman and a small child, who barely escaped with their lives,” the Gordon County Sheriff’s Office said in a press release.

Battles had a history with the victim. In July, he was arrested for climbing on her car, causing more than $500 in damage, and later pleaded guilty to aggravated stalking in October. At the time of the alleged fire, he was serving probation for that conviction.

Court documents indicate that Battles intentionally visited the victim’s now-destroyed home in July “for the purpose of harassing and intimidating” her and had threatened her with aggravated assault. He had also entered the property without permission after being explicitly told not to.

Following the fire, police said they collected “an abundance of evidence—physical, electronic, and testimonial” linking Battles to the crime. He fled on foot but was captured at a private residence near Scottsville, thanks in part to tips from local residents.

“He was surprised by the arresting officers and apprehended without incident,” the sheriff’s office said. “It was important that this matter be resolved quickly given the nature and severity of these crimes. Everyone involved worked around the clock to bring this defendant in, and now he will be held accountable in our courts,” Sheriff Mitch Ralston added.