A Pennsylvania man has been arrested for allegedly setting fire to his stepbrother’s home, forcing 10 people inside to jump from the roof to escape.
Pennsylvania Man Accused of Setting House on Fire
Anthony Mohamed, 37, faces multiple charges, including six counts of attempted criminal homicide, aggravated arson, reckless endangerment, burglary, criminal trespass, and nine counts of recklessly endangering others. The incident took place on March 29 at a home on McCargo Street in New Kensington, northeast of Pittsburgh.
The Fire Incident
Authorities said Mohamed “intentionally” set the fire just before 8 a.m. The blaze quickly engulfed the duplex, trapping residents on the second floor. Firefighters and neighbors saw people jumping from the roof to escape the flames.
Fire Chief Ed Saliba explained:
“The husband jumped off the roof, the wife threw the three kids down to him, he got them to safety, and when she jumped, she broke her leg.”
A neighbor added, “Flames were shooting out the window behind them… I wrapped up the kids and got the mother away from the house as things started exploding.”
Medics treated the mother’s broken leg, and all children were reported safe. Up to 10 people were inside the home during the fire.
Investigation and Arrest
Surveillance video showed a suspect approaching the house at 7:38 a.m., just before smoke was visible at 8:00 a.m. Detectives confirmed the suspect as Anthony Mohamed. A Pennsylvania State Police fire marshal ruled the fire was intentionally set using a flame device to ignite combustibles.
After nearly two months on the run, U.S. marshals arrested Mohamed. Authorities identified him as the stepbrother of a man living in the home.
Family Reaction
The victim’s partner expressed anger and fear:
“You tried to kill my children… I hope that one day, when you’re sitting there rotting in your cell, that you realize that you did have something to lose.”
Mohamed is expected to appear in court on June 2.
