DOVER TOWNSHIP, Pa. — Authorities have issued arrest warrants for two men accused of setting a Dover Township home on fire and firing gunshots into a neighboring house during a violent incident earlier this month.
The Northern York County Regional Police Department announced that Nicholas Lee Burtner, 31, and Jacob Lamar Adams, 28, are wanted in connection with the October 4 arson that caused extensive damage to a Carlisle Road residence. Both men face multiple felony charges, including criminal attempted homicide, arson, and aggravated assault.
The arson occurred just before 1 a.m., with a 37-year-old woman housesitting for the homeowner waking to find the home ablaze after hearing loud popping sounds. She managed to escape with the homeowner’s dog and cat before flames consumed much of the rear of the house.
While firefighters battled the fire, a neighbor informed police that their home had been struck by gunfire during the same incident. Officers recovered three .40-caliber shell casings from the roadway and located three bullets lodged inside the neighbor’s home. No one in the neighbor’s residence was injured.
Police later linked Burtner and Adams to the arson and shooting after interviewing the homeowner, a 38-year-old man, who revealed a contentious breakup with a 37-year-old woman now living in Mechanicsburg. Investigators allege that Burtner, the ex-girlfriend’s new partner, and Adams set the fire in retaliation against the homeowner. It remains unclear whether the gunfire targeting the neighboring home was intentional or accidental.
The suspects face a long list of charges, including causing or risking a catastrophe, firing into an occupied structure, and weapons violations. Police have urged the public to contact 911 if either suspect is seen, warning that the investigation remains active.