SOUTH GREENSBURG, Pa. — A man accused of starting a fire at a motel in Westmoreland County is behind bars.
Scott R. Robertson, 49, was arrested on Saturday, Westmoreland County District Attorney Nicole Ziccarelli’s office said on Monday.
His arrest comes after police were called to the Knights Inn in South Greensburg early Halloween morning for reports of a fire in a motel room.
Police said a witness walked past one of the rooms, saw a fire inside because the door was wide open, rushed to grab a fire extinguisher and put out the flames.
Witnesses reported seeing Robertson standing beside the fire. They added he kept saying, “It’s a trend, everyone is doing it.”
Police say Robertson was also banging on other motel doors before they arrived.
He was walking in the parking lot without shoes or a shirt, where officers quickly detained him.
Investigators found fire damage to the motel room floor and a shoe in the center of the debris. A lighter was found on the nightstand.
Robertson is facing charges for aggravated arson, arson, reckless burning, risking catastrophe, recklessly endangering another person and dangerous burning.
He is being held without bail and is listed as a danger to the community.
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