The victim of a morning house fire has been charged with possession of a stolen firearm and another person at the residence on Summit Avenue has been cited for carrying a concealed weapon, according to the Roanoke Rapids Police Department.

Michael Carter, 36, received a $5,000 bond and November 11 court date for the possession charge.

Jose Gaytan, 26, of Emporia, was carrying a concealed weapon — a knife and set of brass knuckles — and was released.

Police Chief Bobby Martin said investigation continues and detectives are trying to determine how Carter’s vehicle was set on fire and how his house set ablaze. Carter managed to extinguish the vehicle fire.

In a statement Martin said shortly after midnight Master Officer J. Horne was dispatched to the area on a shots fired call and was then given an update the caller was reporting someone set his house ablaze.

Horne observed the rear of the house was engulfed and through further investigation the victim said he saw someone running from the area.

Horne learned a vehicle was set on fire before the house fire.

Martin said the fire is considered suspicious because the victim saw two potential unknown suspects running from the area after the house was set on fire.

Anyone with information is encouraged to call Crimestoppers at 252-583-4444 or Detective M. Worrell at 252-533-2810.