ROWAN COUNTY, NC – A man in North Carolina was arrested after he allegedly stabbed his girlfriend and set their residence ablaze in an incident that unfolded early Friday morning. First responders arrived at a mobile home engulfed in flames following emergency reports of potential arson and stabbing in the area.
Authorities believed an altercation between Tamra Marie Clemans and her boyfriend, 48-year-old James Joseph Gunnerson, triggered the attack. During the dispute, Gunnerson allegedly stabbed Clemans before dousing her and their home with fuel and igniting a blaze.
Despite sustaining severe injuries, Clemans managed to flee the burning structure and sought refuge at a neighbor’s home. According to deputies, she was airlifted to a burn center due to her critical condition. Meanwhile, the local fire department discovered Gunnerson hiding in the backyard, still armed with a knife.
Following a struggle during which deputies had to taser him multiple times to subdue him, Gunnerson was finally taken into custody. Further treatment was necessary as he also suffered burns in the incident.
Shortly after his release from the hospital, Gunnerson was arrested and charged with first-degree arson and attempted first-degree murder, as per records from the Forsyth County jail.
Currently, no bond is granted to Gunnerson as ongoing investigations proceed. The Rowan County Sheriff’s Office was contacted for additional commentary regarding the incident but has yet to respond.