Connellsville police investigate arson
CONNELLSVILLE – A cardboard box containing cleaning products sitting on a rear porch was targeted by an unknown arsonist over the weekend, adding to the lengthening list of fires being investigated by local, state and federal police. “It definitely was arson,” said Stephen Cooper, city police chief, of the late Saturday blaze. “There was no valid reason for it to ignite.”
Cooper said 109 Patterson Ave. tenant Chuck Rummel spotted the fire and extinguished it prior to the arrival of New Haven Hose Volunteer Fire Co.
“(Rummel) saw the light from the fire flickering, ran outside and was able to quickly put it out,” said Cooper.
“There was no damage to the porch,” he said.
Cooper added that Rummel and his son were at home at the time of the fire, but did not see anyone come onto the property or leave the rear of the residence after setting the fire.
The south side area of the city has been targeted numerous times within the past 16 months with fires destroying or causing heavy damage to homes and apartment buildings. Other residences have incurred minor or moderate damage.
An adult and two juveniles have been arrested in connection with two separate fires. Harvey Upton, 36, of 239 S. Prospect St. faces a Jan. 18 preliminary hearing on charges of arson and risking a catastrophe filed by police following the Oct. 22 fire that destroyed his former Sycamore Street residence.
Police arrested a 14- and 16-year-old for allegedly setting fire to the Connellsville Area School District football stadium on Dec. 7.
Charges of arson and related offenses, institutional vandalism, conspiracy, burglary, criminal trespass and criminal mischief against the two teens were filed with the Fayette County Juvenile Probation Office.
Cooper, meanwhile, said residents should maintain outdoor lighting during the overnight hours, avoid keeping flammable items near their homes, be cognizant of unusual noises and to report to police any unknown persons or vehicles or suspicious activity in the area.
The U.S. Department of Justice, Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF) is offering up to a $10,000 reward for information about the fires while the Fayette County Crime Stoppers has posted up to a $4,000 reward for information leading to the arrest and conviction of the persons responsible for starting the fires.
Those with information about any of the fires can contact the ATF toll free at 888-ATF-FIRE (888-283-3473) or the Crime Stoppers tip line at 724-437-TIPS (8477).
The city police can be reached at 724-628-2501, ext. 155. All information will be kept confidential.