SUMMERVILLE, Pa. (EYT) – A Clarion man waived numerous felony charges related to a February 20 arson fire at 66 Main Street in Summerville, Jefferson County.
James M. Dubrock, 32, of Clarion, waived a slew of felony charges, including 6 counts of Criminal Attempt – Murder Of The Second Degree, Thursday before District Judge Gregory M. Bazylak.
Fire Reported at Summerville Home
As previously reported by exploreClarion.com, a child who lives at the home discovered the fire around 1:00 a.m. on the residence’s front porch.
Punxsutawney-based State Police say the homeowner was able to use fire extinguishers to keep the blaze under control until the fire department arrived and extinguished it.
The officer in charge requested that the PA State Police Fire Marshal Unit investigate the origin and cause of the fire.
An arson detection dog from the Allegheny County Fire Marshal Unit discovered evidence on the front porch and back porch of the home.
The fire was ruled arson by the Deputy Fire Marshal. Damage to the home was approximately $10,000.00.
Police indicate the owner is a 29-year-old man, and the occupants of the home were as follows: a 25-year-old woman; an 8-month-old female child; a 5-year-old male child; a 13-year-old male child; and a 15-year-old male child.
Authorities say evidence was discovered at the scene of the fire, linking Dubrock to the crime.
Suspect Found Following Crash Investigation
While en route to investigate the fire, State Police were notified of a traffic accident on State Route 949 near State Route 28.
Police then discovered that a second crash occurred at the intersection of Route 28, Route 949, and Water Street.
At the scene of the second accident, police found Dubrock inside the crashed vehicle. He was transported by ambulance to Brookville Hospital and then flown to UPMC Altoona for treatment of unknown injuries.
Dubrock’s vehicle was involved in both accidents, according to police.
Charges Filed
The following charges were filed against Dubrock on February 20:
- Arson Against Persons, Felony 1 (21 counts)
- Arson Against Property, Felony 1 (one count)
- Causing a Catastrophe, Felony 1 (one count)
- Aggravated Arson, Felony 1 (21 counts)
- Arson and Related Offenses, Felony 2 (one count)
- Risking a Catastrophe, Felony 3 (one count)
- Arson and Related Offenses, Felony 3 (two counts)
- Criminal Mischief, Felony 3 (one count)
- Possessing Instruments of Crime, Misdemeanor 1 (one count)
- Recklessly Endangering Another Person, Misdemeanor 2 (21 counts)
- Disorderly Conduct, Misdemeanor 3 (one count)
The following additional charges were filed against Dubrock on April 26:
- Criminal Attempt – Murder Of The Second Degree, Felony (6 counts)
- DUI: High Rate of Alcohol (Bac.10 – .16) – 1st Offense, Misdemeanor
- DUI: Gen Impairment/Inc of Driving Safely – 1st Off, Misdemeanor
The case has been transferred to the Jefferson County Court of Common Pleas.
Dubrock remains in the Jefferson County Jail in lieu of $300,000 cash bail.
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