Man Jailed For Arson Fires In Bradford

Arson fire at 54 Elm--Photo by Terry Wankel

An arrest in 2 arson fires at a two story apartment building at 54 Elm Street in the City of Bradford on July 15 and August 24, 2012  has been made, according to Cpl. Martin K. Henneman of the Pennsylvania State Police and Sgt. Todd Erickson of the Bradford City Police Department who filed charges against a Bradford man in District Judge Dominic A. Cercone's courtroom.

Justin Michael Schlopy, 22, of Bradford, PA, was arrested and arraigned before Judge Cercone on the following charges: Attempted Arson on 7/15/12; Recklessly Endangering Another Person on 7/15/12; Arson-Inhabited  Building or Occupied Structure on 8/24/12; Arson Endangering Persons; Recklessly Endangering Another Person; Criminal Mischief; and Cruelty To Animals.

The PA State Police Fire Marshal Unit and Bradford City Police conducted a joint investigation into the cause of the structure fire that occurred on August 24, 2012 at the 54 Elm Street location.

During this investigation, it was learned that Schlopy had attempted to start a fire at the location on July 15, 2012.  Schlopy was interviewed on November 3, 2012 and gave a full confession to both incidents, according to police.

In the August fire, eight people were left homeless and nine pets were killed. When firefighters arrived just after 10 pm, they saw smoke and fire coming from a second floor window.  Firefighters made a quick outside attack, knocking down the fire, leaving only a few hot spots to extinguish from the inside. There were no people hurt in the blaze.

Judge Cercone set Schlopy's bail at $100,000. for both arsons. Schlopy was remanded to the McKean County Jail, pending a Preliminary Hearing, when he was unable to post bail. 

The building where the fire occurred is owned by Guider Investments of Loveland, Ohio. Samuel Crowley is the property manager.