16-year-old faces arson charges in connection with Harrison fire

A 16-year-old is accused of starting an April 22 fire at a Sheldon Park apartment building in Harrison that displaced four people and caused at least $500,000 in damage, according to investigators.

Authorities did not identify the suspected fire-starter on Monday, but said the teen lives in Harrison and is being charged as a juvenile with five counts of arson.

“This fire put a lot of people at risk recklessly. Fortunately there were no fatalities or injuries, but there could have been. We have to send a strong message,” said Allegheny County Housing Authority police Chief Mike Vogel.

Harrison police Chief Mike Klein said the fire was intentionally set and the suspect started the blaze by lighting a towel on fire.

Authorities did not say what might have motivated the 16-year-old to start the fire.

At least four people had to evacuate the four-unit building and find housing elsewhere. The fast-moving blaze destroyed all but a rear apartment in building 30, Vogel said.

Housing Authority Executive Director Frank Aggazio said the agency is handling the restoration of the burned units through its insurance company and he estimated the work would cost more than $500,000.

Allegheny County Fire Marshal Matthew Brown, whose office assisted in the investigation, said his office investigated 412 fires last year and made 18 arrests. The arrests made were down from 20 made in each of the previous two years, he said.