Arson investigation leads to arrest

Published 10:55 am Monday, March 1, 2021

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FORSYTH COUNTY — The Forsyth County Sheriff’s Office arrested and charged the individual responsible for arson of a local business.

At approximately 11:20 p.m. on Feb. 24, the Forsyth County Communications Division received a 911 call reporting a building fire at Pie Guys Pizza located at 3425 Kinnamon Village Commons in Clemmons. Firefighters from Clemmons, Lewisville, Griffith and Forsyth County Fire Division all responded to the call and quickly bought the fire under control. There were no injuries; damages to the business are estimated to be around $60,000.

The subsequent collaborative investigation by the Forsyth County Fire Marshal’s Office and the FCSO revealed that the fire was arson. The Winston-Salem Police Department aided in identifying the suspect. It was determined that this was not a random incident and that the suspect intentionally targeted this business specifically.

Burton Stanley Kopaskie III

Burton Stanley Kopaskie III, 34, of Winston-Salem, was arrested and charged with felony breaking and entering, felony malicious use of explosive or incendiary device, and felony burning of certain buildings. Kopaskie was given a $500,000 unsecured bond and released. He is scheduled to appear in court on March 18.

“Arson is a costly and dangerous crime, and I am proud of the collaborative efforts of the Forsyth County Sheriff’s Office and the Forsyth County Fire Marshal’s Office to quickly resolve this case. I am hoping that this helps the business owners to have closure in this matter and that they are able to re-open quickly.” Gary Styers, Forsyth County fire marshal.