S.C. Police Arrest Student For Bar Arson Fire

Arson investigators have arrested a USC student in connection with the fire that burned Salty Nut, a popular Five Points bar and grill.

Feb. 1, 2012

Feb. 01--Arson investigators have arrested a USC student in connection with the fire that burned Salty Nut, a popular Five Points bar and grill.

Theodore Walter Podewil, 22, has been charged with three counts of possessing an explosive device. He is being held in the Alvin S. Glenn Detention Center on a $250,000 bond.

Podewil was arrested after warrants were issued by University of South Carolina Police. They stemmed from three incidents in January where he is accused of throwing Molotov cocktails at structures in downtown Columbia.

A fire in the early morning hours of Jan. 6 gutted the restaurant, known for its large back deck where people enjoyed drinks and food on sunny days. Investigators released several photos obtained by surveillance cameras of a man wearing a hoodie who was a suspect in the fire.

The fire was investigated by the Columbia Fire Department and the State Law Enforcement Division.

At a press conference today, authorities said the fire department expects four more charges of posessing an explosive device to be brought this afternoon.