Lancaster man accused of lighting vehicle on fire waives preliminary hearing

LANCASTER, Pa. — A city man charged with setting a vehicle ablaze earlier this month waived his preliminary hearing this week, allowing the case to proceed to Lancaster County Court.

Ryan James Stewart, 39, faces charges of arson, reckless burning or exploding, recklessly endangering another person, criminal mischief, and possession of drug paraphernalia. He waived his hearing before Judge Adam Witkonis on Sunday.

Stewart is accused of intentionally setting a car on fire outside his residence in the 400 block of Fairview Avenue on the afternoon of July 3. Police said the fire also damaged two picnic tables Stewart allegedly used to help ignite the blaze.

Responding officers found the vehicle with its front windshield smashed and a gas can on the ground nearby. According to police, Stewart was inside the home at the time, drinking and yelling threats to “light the whole … world on fire.”

Two juvenile witnesses told authorities that Stewart had used drugs about an hour prior and that they fled to a neighbor’s house when his behavior became erratic.

In a statement to police while in custody, Stewart reportedly said he was surprised the gasoline did not ignite the vehicle more quickly.

Stewart remains held at Lancaster County Prison on $100,000 bail.

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