DERRY TOWNSHIP, Pa. – A Derry Township man is behind bars charged with deliberating setting fire to his girlfriends home.
The incident began at about 4:48 pm, township police reported to an active dispute at 1808 East Granada Avenue an active domestic dispute between Dustin Roeting, 34 and his 37 year old girlfriend. In an effort to resolve the dispute, Roeting agreed to leave the residence.
At 6:18 pm police and firefighters responded to a fire at 1808 Granada Avenue. Fire crews were able to quickly extinguish the fire which originated in the area of the master bedroom. Damage caused by the fire is estimated approximately $35,000.
Witnesses indicated Roeting started the fire fleeing into nearby fields. A search of those fields proved negative.
At about 11:16 pm, while a restoration crew was inspecting the damage, Roeting reportedly returned to the scene and began taunting his girlfriend from a distance. Police were called and began a search of the neighborhood for Roeting. He eventually was found hiding in shrubbery at a nearby property. He refused come out hiding and then struggled with police as he was taken into custody.
Charges against Roeting include 2 counts of Arson, Recklessly Endangering Another Person, Criminal Mischief, Stalking, Loitering, Prowling at Night and Resisting Arrest.
Following arraignment, Roeting was taken to Dauphin County Prison in lieu of $25,000 bail.