Coats man faces arson charge after domestic dispute

Christopher Valdez, 18, of 19 Keyman Drive, was charged Saturday with first-degree arson and two counts of assault inflicting serious injury, authorities said Sunday.

Valdez was arrested Friday after Harnett County sheriff's deputies responded to a report that a woman was stabbed in the neck at his home.

Authorities said he assaulted his girlfriend, a neighbor and a family member, but they have not said how serious the injuries were.

The arson charge stems from a fire that, authorities said, started after Valdez after it appeared he used a lighter and set fire to sheets.

Valdez was initially charged Friday with assault on a female.

He was in jail Sunday night under a $500,000 secure bond and was expected to make his first court appearance Monday.