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