https://triblive.com/local/westmoreland/unity-man-two-sons-accused-of-igniting-fireworks-that-damaged-neighbors-house/
Unity man, 2 sons accused of igniting fireworks that caught neighbor's house on fire
An amateur July 4 fireworks display that went awry in Unity and allegedly set fire to a home resulted in charges against a man and his two adult sons.
State police filed multiple criminal complaints this week against John O. Brophy, 54, of 1307 Heritage Drive, located the Lawson Heights residential section, and his two sons, Andrew J. and Matthew O. Brophy, 25 and 23, respectively, both of Fairmont, W.Va.
The Brophys are charged with risking a catastrophe, criminal mischief for negligence, reckless endangering another person and igniting consumer fireworks within 150 feet of an occupied structure.
Matthew Brophy also is charged with illegal use of fireworks while under the influence of alcohol, disorderly conduct and public drunkenness for allegedly getting into an altercation with neighbors after the fire started, according to court documents filed before District Judge Michael Mahady.
Trooper David Vinkler said the Brophys began setting off “commercial-grade fireworks” in the front yard of John Brophy’s home at about 9 p.m. on July 4.
At approximately 9:44 p.m., Vinkler alleges, “one firework went out of control, crossed over Heritage Drive, striking vegetation in a flower garden surrounding 1308 Heritage Drive.”
Vinkler said the firework quickly ignited vegetation in the garden and, subsequently, caught the exterior of the home on fire, damaging the interior of the house as well.
Vinkler wrote “the fire endangered the lives of two elderly occupants of the home” who are 86 and 87 years old.
Witnesses told police that neighbors rushed to put out the blaze until firefighters arrived while the Brophys “gathered the unexploded fireworks and placed them in a garage,” Vinkler wrote.
According to court documents, Matthew Brophy then began “verbally and physically fighting with various neighbors.”
Neighbors told Vinkler that John Brophy did attempt to extinguish the blaze by “pouring water from a 16-ounce water bottle.”
Vinkler estimated the damage at least $1,820.
On Tuesday, a roof dormer on the left side of the fire-damaged residence appeared to still be under repair. Knocks on the door of the residence and at Brophy’s home Tuesday went unanswered.
Attempts to reach the Brophys for comment by telephone were unsuccessful. An attorney was not listed in court dockets.
A preliminary hearing date has not been scheduled.
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