WEST HOMESTEAD, PA – Police have identified and charged a man responsible for setting some of the recent trash pile and dumpster fires in the community that have occurred since late April.
According to the Allegheny County Police General Investigations Unit, Allegheny County Fire Marshal’s Office, Munhall Police, West Homestead Police, and Homestead Police, investigators have been investigating a series of fifteen suspicious fires which occurred between April 23, 2022 and August 5, 2022 in the Homestead and Munhall areas of Allegheny County.
“There have been trash and dumpster fires, materials and debris set on fire adjacent to occupied structures, and one vacant structure set on fire. The Allegheny County Fire Marshal’s Office has determined that all fifteen fires were incendiary,” the department said.
On Tuesday, August 2, 2022, detectives determined that a 16-year-old male was responsible for setting one of those fires which was determined to be an isolated incident and not connected with any of the other fires. The 16-year-old was referred to the juvenile justice system.
On Wednesday, August 10, 2022, detectives determined that 26-year-old Dustin Jones of Homestead was responsible for setting eight of the fires. Jones was arrested and charged with eight counts of arson and criminal mischief. Jones is currently being held in the Allegheny County Jail.