Police: Man set girlfriend's belongings on fire

Monday, August 22, 2011

Larry Donnell Batie

Tags:

cumberland county, arson, local/state

CUMBERLAND COUNTY (WTVD) -- Authorities in Cumberland County have issued arrest warrants for a Fayetteville man who allegedly set his girlfriend's belongings on fire while she slept.

Investigators say on Sunday, 28-year-old Larry Donnell Batie, of Gulf Drive, set a basket of clothing belonging to 23-year-old Shatavia Edmonds on fire in the bedroom the couple shared.

When Edmonds awoke and tried to get out of bed to grab her purse from the blaze, Batie allegedly punched her in the face and knocked her to the ground.

Authorities say Batie then tried to force Edmonds' face into the fire, causing second and third degree burns to her body.

Edmonds was transported by helicopter to UNC Chapel Hill’s Burn Center where she is being treated for her injuries. Her condition is unknown at this time.

Batie is wanted on charges of attempted first-degree murder and first-degree arson. He is currently not in custody.

He is described as an African American man standing 5'6" tall. He weighs about 135 pounds and has black hair and black eyes. Batie has the initials “BB” tattooed on his neck and “THUGGED OUT” tattooed on his left forearm.

Anyone who knows of Batie’s whereabouts is urged to contact the Cumberland County Sheriff’s Office at (910) 323-1500 or contact our anonymous TIPSLINE at (910) 484-TIPS (8477).