Greenville Man Charged with Arson After School Buses Set Ablaze

Firefighters responding to a fire on school buses

News Summary

A Greenville man has been charged with arson after several school buses were burned at Legacy Charter School, causing an estimated $400,000 in damage. The incident, which occurred on April 19, 2025, has left the community in shock. Authorities apprehended the suspect, Charles E. Williamson, following a detailed investigation that included reviewing surveillance footage. The community is now grappling with the implications of this reckless act on the safety and financial well-being of local schools.

Greenville Man Charged with Arson After School Buses Set Ablaze

In a shocking incident that has left the Greenville community reeling, a local man has been accused of breaking into and setting fire to several school buses at Legacy Charter School. The dramatic events unfolded on April 19, 2025, when 911 calls flooded in reporting the flames at the school, located at 11 East Bramlett Road.

When rescue teams arrived on the scene, they were met with a fiery scene—two school buses were completely engulfed in flames. It was clear that this was no ordinary fire; responding officers and firefighters quickly suspected foul play. Upon further investigation, it was revealed that multiple buses had not only been damaged but broken into as well. Altogether, the brutal act wreaked havoc on four buses, causing a staggering estimated damage of $400,000.

The quickly extinguished blaze was quickly classified as arson, leading detectives to dive deep into the investigation. Their first step was to review surveillance footage from the school, hoping to gain clues that could lead them to the perpetrator. Thanks to the diligence of a dedicated school resource officer, an initial suspect image was obtained which became pivotal in tracing the culprit’s movements.

As the investigation progressed, officers managed to spot a clearer photograph of the suspect at a gas station nearby. This breakthrough allowed law enforcement to zero in on their prime suspect. In a matter of time, they identified and apprehended 39-year-old Charles E. Williamson. His arrest has stirred curiosity and concern throughout the area, as people wonder what could have led someone to commit such a reckless act.

Williamson has been charged with four counts of arson and four counts of auto-breaking. The motives behind his actions are still shrouded in mystery, leaving many in the community baffled. Why would an individual resort to such destructive behavior? The investigation is ongoing, and authorities are working closely with both the South Carolina Law Enforcement Division (SLED) and the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF) to piece together the puzzle.

A Community in Shock

Residents of Greenville are expressing their disbelief and outrage over this incident. Many parents were left worrying not only about the financial impact this crime would have on the school but also the sense of safety within their community. Schools are generally seen as safe havens for children, making the idea that someone would attack such an institution hard to fathom.

The damage caused by Williamson’s actions not only affects the school’s transportation system but also disrupts plans for countless students who rely on these buses to get them to and from school each day. Local officials are working quickly to address the situation, ensuring that students can return to their normal routines without significant delay.

Next Steps in the Investigation

As the investigation unfolds, the community is urged to remain vigilant. Authorities are asking anyone with additional information or who may have witnessed anything suspicious around the time of the incident to come forward. Every bit of information can help in understanding the “why” behind this alarming act.

For now, the focus will be on securing the site, assessing the damage, and ensuring that such an occurrence does not happen again. The Greenville community, while shaken, is coming together to support the affected schools. As more details emerge regarding the motivations and future court proceedings for Williamson, everyone is left hoping for some sense of closure in this troubling case.