Driver arrested after crashing stolen car into Zebulon home, sparking fire: Police

ZEBULON, N.C. (WNCN) – A family is safe and a driver is charged after a car crashed into the front of a Zebulon home, causing a fire to break out early Monday morning. A town spokesperson told CBS 17 that police and fire crews responded around 3:07 a.m. to a reported residential structure fire on the 400 block of West Franklin Street following the crash. Officers with the Zebulon Police Department were canvassing the area when they saw a vehicle traveling at a high speed. A short time later, officers located the car after it had slammed into the house, police said. CBS 17 crews at the scene captured video showing dozens of firefighters working in front of the multi-story home. Footage also shows a car with front-end damage outside the house, which sustained significant damage. Officers responded and assisted with removing occupants from the home, according to Zebulon police. Five people were inside the home at the time of the incident and were able to escape safely, according to the spokesperson. Two cats were also rescued. Fire crews worked to contain and extinguish the flames. No injuries were reported, police said. Investigators said preliminary information indicates the vehicle had been reported stolen out of Raleigh. A person of interest was taken into custody in connection with this incident, and transported to the Wake County Detention Center for processing, the Zebulon spokesperson said. Authorities identified the individual as 19-year-old Cartier Nasir Farmer of Zebulon, and he's currently being held on a charge of possession of a stolen motor vehicle, but more charges may follow after a complete investigation, police said. Officials said the investigation remains ongoing.