DOVER TOWNSHIP, Pa. — A 40-year-old man is facing multiple charges after allegedly attempting to burn down his home with his wife and child inside during a domestic incident Monday evening, according to the Northern York County Regional Police Department.
At approximately 7:08 p.m. on May 26, officers responded to a home in the 2000 block of Wyatt Circle after reports that the suspect, identified as Adam Ferrara, had threatened to set his house on fire. Police said Ferrara became enraged after the family dog damaged a screen door.
The situation escalated when Ferrara brought a gasoline can into the kitchen and tried to pour gasoline on the stove. He reportedly threatened to ignite the house with his family still inside. His wife managed to take the gas can from him, and their son hid it behind a shed in the backyard.
Ferrara then attempted to ignite cardboard using the gas stove and, upon learning that police had been called, armed himself with a rifle and shotgun. He threatened to shoot responding officers.
Standoff ends with suspect surrendering peacefully
Ferrara’s wife, child, and the family dog safely exited the residence before police arrived. Officers attempted to make contact with Ferrara for over an hour before a negotiator with the York County Quick Response Team successfully convinced him to surrender.
He was taken into custody on the front lawn without further incident. Ferrara has been charged with criminal attempt – arson and terroristic threats. He is awaiting arraignment.
No injuries were reported, and the home did not sustain fire damage.
