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Man accused of starting fire in his apartment on purpose

GREENSBURG, Pa. — A suspicious fire has landed a Southwest Greensburg man in jail and facing arson charges.

It happened Tuesday morning on Cribbs Street in Southwest Greensburg. Investigators were only called in when the suspect turned himself at the state police barracks.

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The fire prompted neighbors to be evacuated and caused damage in the room where the fire started.

"Police were already at my door so I got my family out and put them in the car and managed to help police get the residents out of the house," neighbor Jeremiah Flynn said.

The suspect, identified as Anthony Smoody, talked with Channel 11's Melanie Marsalko about why he went to police.

"I felt guilty for doing that and I’m sorry I did it," he said.

Smoody allegedly told police he was being evicted, and tried to set his bedroom and belongings on fire three times.

Police said the fire began on the third attempt, and at that point Smoody left to turn himself in.

"I'm not happy about it. It’s irritating he would do that and walk away. Thank God he went it the state police and turned himself in because if he wouldn’t have I don’t know what would’ve happened today. I may not be here," Flynn said.

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