SALISBURY — Religious items in a Salisbury man’s front yard were targeted in what authorities believe was an attempted arson.
According to the Rowan County Sheriff’s Office, James Efird, of Artz Road, was in bed at about 12:30 a.m. on Aug. 18 when he “looked out the front window and observed flames in the front yard.”
The report also said that Efird has several statues in his front yard, but only the religious statues were targeted.
Efird told authorities that he saw an “SUV-type vehicle” in the front yard that resembled a Ford Bronco at the time of the fire. The vehicle was last seen traveling in the direction of Faith Road.
According to Efird, a 30- to 40-year-old man was seen earlier that day smoking a cigarette and reading Bible verses on some of his statues, including crosses. Efird did not provide any other description of the man to authorities.
No arrests have been made. The Rowan County Sheriff’s Office is still investigating.