rganton, Christopher Victor Miglino, 37, impersonated a firefighter during an early-morning fire that tragically resulted in the death of a woman. Morganton’s Fire Chief, Jason Whisnant, reported that Miglino, dressed in Fire Department of New York turnout gear, attempted to combat the blaze with a garden hose and obstructed the efforts of emergency personnel responding to the fire on Morehead Street.
Miglino’s actions led to his arrest and the charges of resisting, delaying, or obstructing a public officer, impersonating a firefighter/medical personnel, and violating a city ordinance for obedience to fire personnel. Currently on pre-trial release for other charges, Miglino was not granted bond and awaits a court date on April 18.
This incident holds particular significance for residents of Mitchell County due to Miglino’s prior conviction in the county. In 2007, he was arrested and later convicted for burning a building under construction and felony breaking and entering. The fire, set near Bakersville at 135 Paul Canipe Road, did not cause significant structural damage to the property.