DUBOIS – Two men have been charged in connection with an arson that occurred last month at a warehouse in DuBois City, announced Clearfield County District Attorney William A. Shaw Jr. today.
Shaw identified the defendants as Zachary Thomas Coombs, 20, of Big Run Prescottville Road, Punxsutawney, and Timothy James Young, 19, of Million Dollar Highway, Kersey.
Corporal Orlando Prosper of the DuBois City Police Department has filed a criminal complaint against Coombs. He has charged Coombs with arson, F1; causing or risking catastrophe, F1; burglary, F2; criminal trespass, F2; criminal mischief, F3; theft by unlawful taking, M1; receiving stolen property, M1; recklessly endangering another person, M2, 141 counts; and criminal mischief, M3, three counts.
Prosper also charged Young with burglary, F2; criminal trespass, F2; criminal mischief, M3, three counts; and criminal mischief, S, two counts.
According to the criminal complaints, on Jan. 5, DuBois City police and fire departments were dispatched to North Franklin Street for a structure fire. Approximately 141 members of the DuBois City, Sandy Township and Reynoldsville fire departments responded to and battled the fire. The Pennsylvania State Police Fire Unit also responded to the scene to investigate the origin and cause of the fire.
Upon investigation police found that on the early morning of Jan. 5, Coombs and Young had allegedly broken into the Gibby’s Warehouse building located on North Franklin Street by using a screwdriver to pry open a side door.
Once inside Coombs and Young located spray paint and allegedly began vandalizing motorcycles that were inside the building. Young and Coombs then allegedly unlawfully removed several items from the building and placed them outside.
Police alleged that Coombs ignited a fire inside the building by lighting a tray containing 16 cans of a gel substance and placing pallets on top of the flames. Coombs then allegedly left the building and he and Young vandalized the exterior with spray paint. Police also alleged that Coombs and Young vandalized a car and three additional buildings after leaving the scene of the fire.
As a result of the fire, the Gibby’s Warehouse sustained approximately $500,000 worth of damage. Additionally, a fire truck owned by DuBois City sustained damage in the amount of $13,616.19; a vehicle and various buildings also sustained approximately $1,080 worth of damage, according to the criminal complaints.
Shaw stated that Coombs and Young were arraigned on the charges and preliminary hearings will be scheduled in the immediate future.
Shaw was extremely pleased with the investigative efforts of the DuBois City police and the Pennsylvania State Police in order to identify and locate Coombs and Young.
He explained that this type of criminal activity is completely unacceptable. Further, he stated that it endangers the lives of firefighters and first responders as well as the general public.
Shaw emphasized that continued efforts will be made to identify, investigate and prosecute criminals responsible for this type of senseless behavior.
Shaw commended the DuBois City police, Pennsylvania State Police and DuBois City, Sandy Township and Reynoldsville fire departments for their efforts in this case. Shaw stated that “Our community is fortunate to have such brave men and women willing to respond to these extremely dangerous events in an effort to save life and property.”
Anyone with knowledge of a Crime is asked to call Clearfield County Crime Stoppers at 800-376-4700. All calls to Crime Stoppers are confidential.
Anonymous tips can also be submitted by visiting the Clearfield County District Attorney Web site at “www.ClearfieldDA.org” and selecting “Report A Crime.”
