HEMPFIELD TOWNSHIP, Pa. — A man has been arrested after a fire that killed his 92-year-old father Thursday night in Westmoreland County was ruled arson, Pennsylvania State Police said Friday.
Flames were reported just after 9 p.m. at a home on Courtview Drive in Hempfield Township.
The victim, Frank Novak, was found dead in a bedroom, police said.
If you want to receive BREAKING ALERTS, please download our WPXI News App. You can also follow WPXI on Facebook and Twitter.
Frank Novak’s son, Douglas Novak, admitted to police that he set two separate fires within the home, accelerating them by pouring melted candle wax onto paper, according to a criminal complaint.
A neighbor told police they pounded on the home’s door after the fire started and saw Douglas Novak standing near a burning staircase, the complaint said.
Authorities said Douglas Novak, 40, ran from the home, where he lived with his father, when he saw a firetruck arriving. He was later found at All Saints Brewing Company.
Douglas Novak is charged with arson, reckless burning or exploding and risking catastrophe.
TRENDING NOW:
- Man arrested after allegedly trying to snatch boy on downtown street
- Referee with previous allegations of racism forces wrestler to cut off dreadlocks
- Man dies hours after wife says he was turned away from hospital
- VIDEO: Ford Recalls Over 800K Trucks For Engine Block Heater Issue
- DOWNLOAD the Channel 11 News app for breaking news alerts