Columbia, SC (WLTX) - The general manager of the Salty Nut Cafe says they are relieved the person who torched their restaurant is behind bars.
USC police and the Columbia Fire Department have made an arrest in the January 6th fire at the Salty Nut Cafe. He's identified tonight as Theodore Podewil, 22, a USC student.
Previous Coverage: Theodore Walter Podewil Charged in Salty Nut Cafe Fire
Podewil is being charged on seven counts of possessing or using an explosive device.
"We are just glad to get this person off the street," Columbia Fire Chief Aubrey Jenkins announced Wednesday. "We want to go after a higher charge other than arson because of the nature of what this person did."
Podewil is being charged under South Carolina's adopted Homeland Security Act. It states:
"One, counseling or soliciting others to use, possess, or threaten to use a destructive device; harboring terrorist." -SECTION 16-23-720
Police used fingerprints to track the student to his apartment after finding a device near a dumpster that had not yet exploded.
"Last night it was crazy because there were eight or ten cops out here," said Morgan Norris, one of the students' neighbors
Norris says he didn't know the student personally but were surprised to hear law enforcement found other bomb making materials inside his apartment.
"I didn't think he was making bombs up there. I thought it was some rogue drunk person who threw a molotov at Salty Nut," said Norris.
While it caused more than $300,000 worth of damage to the popular five points hang out, general manager Phil Hopewell says the business was happy to hear news of the arrest.
"I mean anytime you hear that somebody like that is off the street and not longer a danger to five points and the surrounding area you can't be anything but pleased," said Hopewell.
Investigators say the student, who has also been arrested for DUI and cocaine possession in the past, could face further charges if he is linked to other fires.
"Now that the investigation part is behind us we just look forward to rebuilding, getting open again, and making five points a safer place in the future," said Hopewell.
The general manager of the Salty Nut Cafe tells News19 they plan to be back open in three to five months. Theodore Podewil is expected to go before a bond court judge tomorrow.