In a shocking act of revenge, a 21-year-old Michigan man, Harrison Jones, has been arrested for allegedly driving over 700 miles to Pennsylvania to set fire to the home of a man who had been communicating with his ex-girlfriend online.
Authorities in Bensalem, Pennsylvania, revealed that Jones intentionally set the house ablaze while six people were inside, leading to his arrest on six counts of attempted homicide, arson, and other related charges. He is currently awaiting extradition to Pennsylvania.
While all six residents managed to escape thanks to the quick actions of a mother in the home, the family’s two dogs, Trey and Jett, were unable to make it out alive.
“It’s a miracle they all survived,” Bensalem Public Safety Director William McVey stated in a Monday morning press conference. “We credit the mother of the house for taking immediate action to save her family.”
Investigators confirmed that the fire was intentionally set and used surveillance footage to track Jones down. The suspect was caught on video arriving at the home around 5 a.m. before the house erupted in flames. Two days later, authorities traced his black sedan and arrested him.
Shockingly, police discovered that Jones had suffered visible burns on his arm, further tying him to the crime.
Court documents revealed that Jones was supposed to drive his ex-girlfriend to meet the Bensalem resident at a hotel soon. However, instead of honoring the plan, he embarked on an 11-hour drive with “murderous intentions,” authorities said.
“He drove over 730 miles, spent 11 hours on the road, committed arson, and then drove straight back home,” McVey added.
While Jones’ exact motive remains under investigation, authorities say the attack stemmed from jealousy over his ex-girlfriend’s online relationship.
