PITTSBURGH — A man was arrested early Tuesday morning, accused of lighting a series of fires across Pittsburgh and throwing a firework under a police vehicle.
A Pittsburgh Public Safety spokesperson said police were first called to Reedsdale Street on the North Side around 7:30 a.m. for reports of a suspicious man and a man walking with an open flame.
Fire Investigation Unit detectives were also called for a man spotted lighting the side of a trash can on fire by Rivers Casino, then leaving.
Before that call, detectives had seen traffic cones that had been burned on Reedsdale Street.
The man was seen next outside the Downtown Public Safety Center, throwing a lit sparkler underneath a vehicle on Wood Street. He was arrested at the nearby intersection of Stanwix Street and Blvd. of the Allies, while trying to light a piece of cardboard on fire.
The spokesperson identified the suspect as Jeffrey Rotunda, 36. He’s reportedly facing multiple charges, including arson and criminal mischief. At last check, the entire list of charges Rotunda faces wasn’t posted online.
Download the FREE WPXI News app for breaking news alerts.
Follow Channel 11 News on Facebook and Twitter. | Watch WPXI NOW