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April 30, 2009

Man charged in Enon area arsons

An Enon Valley man was arrested yesterday as part of a probe into a string of arsons.

Little Beaver Township police Chief David McBride said a warrant was served at noon yesterday at the Vine Street home of 22-year-old Richard D. Craft. McBride said various kinds of “bomb-making materials” were discovered, and that Craft confessed to two of the five incidents his department and the state police fire marshal’s office have been investigating in the Enon Valley-Little Beaver Township area.

All the fires have taken place within the last several days.

The fires to which Craft allegedly confessed were an attempt Friday to burn to the Enon Valley Borough Municipal Building — “Some of the wood was charred, but there wasn’t much damage,” McBride said — and the burning of a 15-by-18-foot shed at a private residence.

Three other incidents — two car fires, a tent fire and a weekend fire that destroyed an 83-year-old barn in Little Beaver Township — remain under investigation by McBride and the state police deputy fire marshal.

“We appreciate the help of the community,” McBride said. “Approximately 15 people came forward with some very helpful information.”

He added that anyone who has any information on the other fires may call the police department at (724) 336-3431.

Craft was arraigned last night before District Judge Jerry Cartwright on two counts of arson and one count each of criminal mischief and possession of incendiary devices. He was placed in Lawrence County jail in lieu of $100,000 bond.

His preliminary hearing is set for 9:30 a.m. May 6 in Central Court.

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