Michigan man sentenced to decades after cross country arson attack levels Bensalem home
Bensalem, PA – A pre-dawn fireball that tore through a quiet Bucks County neighborhood has ended with a Michigan man being sent to state prison for decades after a judge ruled the attack was calculated, deliberate, and nearly fatal for an entire family.
Harrison Jones, 22, of Rockford, Michigan, was sentenced to 20 to 40 years in state prison after entering a no contest plea to six counts of attempted homicide and two counts of aggravated animal cruelty, along with guilty pleas to additional charges including arson and risking catastrophe. The sentence was imposed by Bucks County Common Pleas Judge Matt Weintraub, who ordered that Jones receive no credit for time served.
The charges stem from a Feb. 10 arson attack at a home in the 5200 block of Merganser Way. Investigators determined Jones drove more than 700 miles from Michigan to Bensalem before igniting an accelerant that caused an explosion, destroying the rear of the home and trapping six occupants inside. The residents escaped by jumping from second-floor windows as the house burned.
Two family dogs were killed in the fire. Judge Weintraub ordered Jones to pay more than $500,000 in restitution for the destruction of the property.
Prosecutors said the attack was driven by a dispute tied to an online relationship. During sentencing, the court heard testimony from family members who described thick smoke, limited visibility, and the belief they would not survive. One victim credited her father with guiding family members to safety as flames spread through the home.
Judge Weintraub noted that while physical damage can be repaired, the emotional impact of the crime would remain. He emphasized the planning involved, citing Jones’ hours-long drive across state lines to carry out the attack.
Investigators tracked Jones using surveillance footage and automated license plate readers, following his 2021 Volkswagen Passat from Pennsylvania to Michigan. When authorities arrested him, they observed burn marks on his arms consistent with the explosion.
The case was investigated by Bensalem Township detectives with assistance from the Kent County Sheriff’s Department in Michigan. It was prosecuted by Deputy District Attorney A.J. Garabedian. All charges were resolved in Bucks County court.
Key Points
- Michigan man sentenced to 20 to 40 years for Bensalem arson attack
- Six residents escaped a burning home by jumping from second-floor windows
- More than $500,000 in restitution ordered for property damage
