Murrysville arson suspect to remain in jail pending trial

A Westmoreland County judge on Monday rejected a defense request for a nominal bond that would have allowed the Murrysville man accused of setting fire to a local restaurant to be released from jail as he awaits trial.

Brian P. Lucas, 44, was charged with arson and other offenses in connection with the May 15 blaze that destroyed the Spaghetti & Steakhouse and Hot Rod Lounge. Police said Lucas admitted to torching the Route 22 landmark that had been in operation for a half century.

“These are serious charges, and, given the nature of the charges, I am not prepared to cut him loose at this time,” Westmoreland County Common Pleas Judge Tim Krieger ruled after a hearing Monday morning.

Lucas was charged with two counts of arson, possession of explosive material, burglary, reckless endangerment, criminal mischief and causing a catastrophe in connection with the fire. He also was charged with reckless burning, theft, receiving stolen property, criminal mischief and a drug offense related to his arrest at a car dealership across the street from the fire.

Police said surveillance video showed a man running around the burning restaurant and then walking across the highway to Jim Shorkey Chevrolet.

Investigators found two private vehicles, one of which Lucas was sleeping inside, had been damaged. Lucas is accused of breaking into one of the vehicles and igniting papers with a lighter.

Police said Lucas also took prescription medication from one of the vehicles and hid it in his rectum.

The judge said he believes Lucas is still a danger to society. In November, a court-ordered drug and alcohol evaluation concluded he required in-patient treatment. Lucas was found competent to stand trial earlier this year, the judge said.

Assistant District Attorney Leo Ciaramitaro said an agreement reached with Lucas’ lawyer in September to set bond at just less than $50,000 was done only as a means to allow him to qualify to perform inmate work at the jail and not to facilitate his release. Inmates in jail with bonds of more than $50,000 are precluded from holding jobs at the facility.

“We adamantly are opposed to his release from incarceration,” Ciaramitaro said.

Ciaramitaro said Lucas faces up to five years in prison under standard sentencing guidelines if convicted of the arson charges.

A date for Lucas’ trial has not been set.