WEST CHESTER, Pa. — A 22-year-old man has been arrested and charged after allegedly setting a fire that trapped residents inside a home on South Matlack Street earlier this week, authorities said.
On Tuesday, just after 5:30 a.m., the West Chester Police and Fire Departments responded to reports of a building fire in the 500 block of South Matlack Street. First responders found two people trapped on the roof and a third who had apparently fallen from the second floor while trying to escape.
After the fire was extinguished, investigators from the West Chester Police Department and Chester County Fire Marshals determined the blaze had been intentionally set. Michael W. Thompson of Marcus Hook was identified as the suspect.
On Thursday at approximately 6 a.m., West Chester Police arrested Thompson and charged him with attempted criminal homicide, aggravated arson, burglary, and related offenses.
Thompson was processed and taken to Chester County Prison. A preliminary hearing is scheduled at District Court 15-1-04.