EAST PETERSBURG, Pa. — A Lancaster County man has been charged with arson and other offenses following the investigation of a fire at his East Petersburg home on March 7, Northern Lancaster County Regional Police said this week.
In addition to multiple counts of arson and aggravated arson, Derek Weachter, 31, is also charged with causing a catastrophe, recklessly endangering another person, and tampering with evidence in connection to the fire, which occurred at his home on the 2400 block of Franklin Drive, according to police.
Two of Weachter's roommates told police he had set the fire. One roommate told 911 dispatch that Weachter had poured gasoline on his bed, set it on fire, and fled on foot. The second roommate said Weachter told him he had gasoline in his room "for the police," and minutes later began yelling the house was on fire prior to fleeing out of the back door.
A third member of the household was downstairs when the fire began, the witnesses told police.
Weachter was found sitting on a curb in front of the home by responding officers. He allegedly admitted to setting the fire, police said.
Weachter also had charring on his arms and wrists and was covered in soot, the responding officer observed in the complaint.
The Pennsylvania State Police Fire Marshal investigated the incident and determined the fire had been intentionally set, police said. Witnesses reported that when Weachter fled, he took the gasoline can with him and disposed of it, preventing investigators from collecting it as evidence.
Weachter was arrested on Wednesday and is awaiting arraignment.
