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Joseph W. Bartles, 35, of 144 Elbow Alley, went to a home that is in the process of being demolished at 152 Market St., Bainbridge, shortly before 8 p.m., police said. He confronted several workers he did not know who were removing a furnace in the basement.
"He said he wanted them to stop working," said Susquehanna Regional police Lt. Stephen Englert. An argument ensued and then Bartles left.
The workers were using a generator outside the basement door to supply power for lighting in the house, Englert said.
As Bartles left, he removed the gas cap from the generator and knocked it over, causing gas to spill. He then ignited the gas and fled from the scene, police said.
Police and Bainbridge firefighters responded to the 7:47 p.m. emergency dispatch call for a suspected arson.
Firefighters put out the fire, limiting damage to the generator and a small patch of grass, a fire official said.
Police interviewed witnesses at the scene who identified Bartles as a suspect, Englert said. Officers located him at his nearby residence 10 or 15 minutes later.
Bartles became combative when police tried to arrest him, so they Tasered him, police said. While struggling with officers, Bartles kicked Officer Scott Ney. Ney was not injured.
Once secured in a police car, Bartles intentionally banged his head against a partition, injuring himself, police said. He was treated and released from Lancaster General Hospital.
Bartles was charged with three counts of arson: one for starting the fire, one for placing people in danger and one for placing a structure in danger, Englert said. He also faces charges of causing or risking catastrophe, aggravated assault on a police officer, resisting arrest, criminal mischief, disorderly conduct and public drunkenness.
Bartles was arraigned before District Judge William Reuter and sent to Lancaster County Prison after failing to post $25,000 bail.
