ROCHESTER, Pa. — An arson suspect was arrested in Beaver County Friday.
He's accused of setting a fire in July at an apartment complex that left five families homeless and forced people to climb off a roof.
The judge had some harsh words for the suspect, calling him a danger to himself and society.
He also placed the highest bond he has ever put on any suspect in his entire career: $500,000.
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Channel 11 was the only one there as police took attempted homicide and arson suspect, Donald Thomas, Jr., into custody.
Rochester Boro police say Thomas targeted a home on West Madison Street July 21, because his ex lived in one of the apartments and he was mad at her.
Five families lost everything that day.
Crews are still working to restore the burned out home.
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"It's just a shame, we see all kinds of pictures in there, little kid's toys. I'm glad that they got him," said Angel Hankinson with Construction Unlimited.
According to the criminal complaint, Thomas told police he came to the home and went through it with a gas can in his hand.
Police say Thomas also confessed to starting the fire, even though outside court he told Channel 11: "Yes, to get out of going to jail."
Many people had to be rescued from their apartments that night and three firefighters were hurt battling it.
No one was seriously injured.