California Manor resident charged with setting building afire
The man who jumped from the fourth floor of a burning apartment building in California earlier this month is now accused of starting the fire.
California police charged Christopher Demetrious Grasty on Tuesday with more than two dozen arson charges, including aggravated arson resulting in bodily injury.
Washington County District Attorney Jason Walsh confirmed that Grasty, 38, of California, was the man who leapt from the top floor of California Manor. He was flown to Presbyterian Hospital in Pittsburgh. Walsh said he remains hospitalized, and has not been arrested.
Multiple fire departments responded to the fire at about 6:20 p.m. March 1. California Manor is owned by the Washington County Housing Authority and has 30 apartments.
According to the criminal complaint, investigators determined that the fire started in Grasty’s apartment on the fourth floor. Police interviewed Grasty on March 8, and he allegedly confessed to starting the fire intentionally, according to court documents.
The fire displaced 29 people, though 19 have since been able to return home. According to the complaint, the fire caused about $750,000 in damage.
Grasty also faces felony charges of causing catastrophe, risking catastrophe, criminal mischief and misdemeanor of reckless endangerment.