Man barricaded himself in treehouse after assault, arson in Armstrong County

NORTH BUFFALO TWP., Pa. — A Kittanning man is facing charges after police say he barricaded himself in a treehouse after assaulting an elderly man and setting fire to a home.

Joseph Alton Hawk, 20, of Kittanning was charged with arson and assault-related charges after an incident in the 700 block of Bunker Hill Road in North Buffalo Township.

The Pennsylvania State Police responded to a call on Saturday shortly before 1 p.m., where it was reported that Hawk assaulted an 82-year-old man. While police were responding, it was also learned that Hawk allegedly set fire to the home and ran off.

Multiple police agencies including state police, local departments, K-9 officers and helicopters searched the area but could not find him.

Police again responded to the home on Sunday at 7:10 a.m. after reports that Hawk was seen there. When they arrived, they found Hawk barricaded by himself in a treehouse.

He eventually surrendered without incident and was arrested.

Hawk was arraigned and is currently in the Armstrong County Jail on $150,000 bail.

The fire marshal is investigating the fire.

State police were assisted at the scene by the Kittanning Police Department, Manor Township Police Department, Kittanning Hose Co. 1 and 6, Kittanning EMS, East Franklin Fire Department, Worthington Fire Department and Ford City Fire Department.

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