A former Bellwood-Antis student has been charged with arson after allegedly setting a fire in the B-A wrestling room in the middle school early Tuesday morning.
The suspect was identified as 19-year old Elias Alley, who went to B-A until last year.
According to a press release sent out by the district, around 3 a.m. on December 17, alarms went off and fire fighting crews were dispatched to handle a fire at the middle school.
Fire crews managed to quickly contain the fire. However, the smoke and water damage caused by the blaze has made it unsafe for middle and high school students to go in to school for in-person instruction.
The suspect was apprehended off of school property, according to Superintendent Mr. Edward DiSabato, and was not on the scene when authorities arrived. A blood trail leading away from the area was found.
Mr. DiSabato said Pennsylvania State Police reviewed camera and video evidence and were able to make the arrest of Alley later in the day on Tuesday.
The district made it known in their press release that the cause of the fire was arson.
“We are deeply concerned about the fire and the events that led to this,” the release stated. “First and foremost, we are incredibly relieved that no one was injured in the incident, and we have collaborated closely with local authorities to investigate the cause and ensure the safety of our students and staff. After investigations by the PSP Fire Marshall, it was determined that the fire was intentionally set.”
According to a report by WTAJ, Alley allegedly confessed to breaking into the building and causing the fire by lighting a garbage bag inside the wrestling room.
Alley was arraigned Tuesday afternoon with multiple charges of arson, criminal trespass, and vandalism. The judge set his bail at $1 million, noting that he receives several thousand dollars a month in a structured settlement.
Classes were cancelled at all buildings in the district on Tuesday. Middle and high school students will not return to in-person learning until after the Christmas break. Myers Elementary students were back to in-person learning on Wednesday.
Bellwood-Antis superintendent Mr. Disabato has said that Bellwood is “hopeful for a full return after the holiday break, but we will have to wait for a full assessment of the damage.” The school is currently operating on Flexible Instructional Days for Wednesday, Thursday, and Friday.
DiSabato said on Tuesday the monetary extent of damages was unknown. “Our insurance carrier is here know assessing the damage,” he said.
Sports activities at B-A will continue with few disruptions.
Alley is currently held at the Blair County Prison. A preliminary hearing is scheduled for December 31.
