Michigan man gets decades in prison for Bensalem arson attack
Bensalem, PA – A quiet Bucks County neighborhood was shattered before dawn when a house on Merganser Way erupted in flames, and on Wednesday that act ended with a Michigan man being sent to state prison for decades after a judge said the crime left lasting damage far beyond the physical destruction.
Harrison Jones, 22, of Rockford, Michigan, was sentenced in Bucks County Common Pleas Court to 20 to 40 years in state prison for a targeted arson attack that destroyed a Bensalem home and endangered the lives of six people inside. The sentence includes no credit for time served and more than $500,000 in restitution for the loss of the property.
Jones entered a plea of no contest to six counts of attempted homicide and two counts of aggravated animal cruelty. He pleaded guilty to additional charges, including arson and risking catastrophe, related to the fire that occurred in the early morning hours of Feb. 10. Two family dogs were killed in the blaze.
The case centered on a fire in the 5200 block of Merganser Way that investigators said was planned over hundreds of miles. Prosecutors stated Jones drove more than 700 miles from Michigan to the residence, motivated by a dispute tied to an online relationship. After arriving, he ignited an accelerant that caused an explosion, collapsing part of the home and trapping the occupants inside.
All six residents escaped by jumping from second-story windows as the house burned. During sentencing, family members described navigating thick smoke and darkness while trying to flee. One victim testified she believed she would not survive and said her father helped guide her and her brother to safety.
Judge Matt Weintraub said the actions were deliberate and carried out over several hours as Jones crossed state lines. He noted that while injuries can heal and property can be rebuilt, the loss of pets and the trauma left behind cannot be undone.
Investigators used surveillance footage from neighboring homes and automated license plate readers to track Jones’ 2021 Volkswagen Passat as it traveled from Pennsylvania to Michigan. When authorities arrested him, they observed burn marks on his arms consistent with the explosion caused by the fire.
The investigation was led by Bensalem Township detectives with assistance from the Kent County Sheriff’s Department in Michigan. The case was prosecuted by Deputy District Attorney A.J. Garabedian.
Key Points
- Harrison Jones was sentenced to 20 to 40 years in state prison for a Bensalem arson attack
- Six residents escaped the burning home and two family dogs were killed
- Prosecutors said the fire was planned during a cross-country drive from Michigan