Manchester Man Arrested in Connection with Dollar General Fire

MANCHESTER — A Manchester man has been arrested following a fire inside the Dollar General store on South Highway 421 earlier this month.

According to the Clay County Sheriff’s Office, Sheriff Patrick Robinson reported that on March 1, 2026, Deputy Walter Marker responded to a call regarding a fire at the Dollar General located at 8390 South Highway 421.

Once the situation at the store was brought under control and the scene was deemed safe, Deputy Marker spoke with employees who were working at the time of the incident. Store personnel were able to provide surveillance video footage that captured the event.

Authorities say the video showed a male subject starting a fire in aisle 12 using a butane canister that was not sold at the store. The fire caused significant damage to the store and merchandise and forced the business to close early for the day.

The incident occurred during normal business hours while customers and employees were inside the store.

Following the incident, the Clay County Sheriff’s Office made a post on social media requesting assistance from the public in identifying the individual shown in the surveillance footage. According to the sheriff’s office, the suspect was later identified as Woodson Roark.

Roark, 44, of Manchester, was subsequently arrested. Assisting in the arrest were Deputy Sgt. Wes Brumley and Deputy Jordan Duncil.

Roark was charged with first-degree arson, first-degree wanton endangerment, and first-degree criminal mischief.

The Clay County Sheriff’s Office expressed appreciation to members of the community who helped provide information leading to the identification of the suspect.