“I must have made somebody angry”: business owner says people tried to set building ablaze purposely

WILKINSBURG, Pa. — The search is on to find the two men who police say tried to set a building on fire, and the owner says he believes it was a personal attack.

Broken glass, the name Jerry written in red spray paint several times, and a failed attempt to burn the building make Jerry Gaudi Jr. think this vandalism is personal.

“I must have made someone angry. I do not know, there are possible scenarios that are under investigation,” said Gaudi.

Wilkinsburg Police were called to 900 Wood Street at 12:01 a.m. Monday after a call that two men broke into the building and tried to set it on fire.

When officers got there, they were met with a heavy smell of gasoline and smoke.

After investigating, police say it appears the suspects damaged and ransacked the offices inside before spreading gasoline and setting a small fire in the back stairwell.

“It wasn’t a random thing. The neighborhood, we’ve been here for seven years and found nothing but nice people. Today I was on the sidewalk for a few hours on the phone and I saw nothing but concerned people.”

Gaudi and his nonprofit are the conservators of the building. He and other business owners in the area were surprised.

Gaudi says this crime won’t stop them from bringing more business to Wilkinsburg, and he has a message for the people responsible.

“I’m sorry that I offended you in some way. This seems to be targeted clearly from the inside of the building,” said Gaudi.

Allegheny County Police would like to talk with you If you can help in this arson investigation.

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