PERRY TWP., Pa. (EYT) – A local man is behind bars after authorities say he intentionally lit his house on fire in Perry Township early Sunday morning.
According to Punxsutawney-based State Police, troopers were dispatched to Frostburgh Road in Perry Township, Jefferson County, for a residential fire at 2:47 a.m. on Sunday, October 22.
Police say responding troopers encountered a distraught male who ignited his residence on fire.
The actor—later identified as 51-year-old Leroy William Harris, of Punxsutawney—was taken into custody. He was transported to Punxsutawney Hospital for medical evaluation before being housed in the Jefferson County Jail.
PSP Punxsutawney was assisted at the scene by PSP DuBois, Perry Township Volunteer Fire Company, McCalmont Township Volunteer Fire Company, Lindsey Fire Company, Oliver Township Fire Company, Ringgold Area Volunteer Fire Company, and Jefferson County EMS.
The victim is a 51-year-old DuBois woman.
According to court documents, Harris was arraigned on the following charges at 11:30 a.m. on Sunday, October 22, in front of District Judge Jacqueline Mizerock:
- Arson-Danger of Death or Bodily Injury, Felony 1
- Reckless Burning or Exploding – Places Uninhabited Or Unoccupied Structure in Danger of Damage or Destruction, Felony 3
- Risking Catastrophe, Felony 3
- Terroristic Threats Cause Serious Public Inconvenience, Felony 3
- Evading Arrest or Detention on Foot, Felony 3
- Resist Arrest/Other Law Enforcement, Misdemeanor 2
- Recklessly Endangering Another Person, Misdemeanor 2
- Disorder Conduct Hazardous/Physi Offense, Misdemeanor 3Unable to post $50,000.00 monetary bail, he was lodged in the Jefferson County Jail.
He is currently awaiting a preliminary hearing.
This investigation is ongoing.