LOWER PAXTON TOWNSHIP, DAUPHIN COUNTY, Pa.–A former volunteer firefighter is behind bars after police say he set a series of fires in Lower Paxton Township.
Jake T. Reader, 21, is charged with arson, risking catastrophe and recklessly endangering another person. He was arraigned Monday and taken to Dauphin County Prison in lieu of $2,000,000 bail.
According to police reports, Reader set fires on the 100 block of Wyndham Way on April 17 and again on May 7. The April 17 fire caused about $1 million dollars worth of damage to four townhouses. Police say Reader set fire to two townhouses on May 7. The third fire happened at a building used as a daycare located along the 4900 block of Berkley Street on May 5.
Reader had served as a volunteer firefighter with the Colonial Park Fire Company from December 2012 until November 2016 when he was removed on unrelated issues.
A preliminary hearing is scheduled for June 6.
The Colonial Park Fire Company issued this statement regarding Reader’s arrest:
“The Colonial Park Fire Company is heartbroken about these tragic events. Our thoughts and prayers are with those who were affected by these senseless acts. The Colonial Park Fire Company strongly condemns the acts of former member Mr. Reader and we are here to assist law enforcement and the community in which we serve to help get resolution to these sickening acts as soon as possible.”
