Three Arrested in Connection with October Arson Incident on Bond Street

Statesville, NC – December 6, 2024: The Statesville Police Department (SPD) and Statesville Fire Department (SFD) conducted a joint investigation into a house fire that occurred in the early morning hours of October 14, 2024, at 520 Bond Street.

Around 4:11 AM, SFD responded to the blaze, and SPD initiated an investigation. Miladis T. Bonilla-Alarcon, a resident of the home, suffered severe burns and was transported to Wake Forest Baptist Medical Center for treatment. Preliminary evidence and witness statements indicated that the fire was intentionally set.

Investigators revealed that Ms. Alarcon’s boyfriend, Elvin Ivan Ardon Santos, awoke to the smell of gas and discovered the home engulfed in flames. Although he escaped to seek help, he quickly realized that Ms. Alarcon was still trapped inside. He broke a bedroom window to rescue her after fire blocked the main entrance.

Following an extensive investigation, SPD identified Oscar Humberto Bernal-Ardon, 33, Rudy Ardon Santos, 33, and Oscar Armando Larin, 45, all of Statesville, as the primary suspects. Arrest warrants were issued, and the trio was apprehended on November 1, 2024, in Dallas, Texas. They have since been extradited to the Iredell County Detention Center.

Oscar Humberto Bernal-Ardon was issued a $250,000 bond. Rudy Ardon Santos received a $100,000 bond, while Oscar Armando Larin is being held without bond. Each suspect faces two counts of first-degree arson.

If you have any information related to this case, please contact the Statesville Police Department at 704-878-3406.

Oscar Humberto Bernal-Ardon

Rudy Ardon Santos

Oscar Armando Larin

About the City of Statesville

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