Police Make Arrest In Fire That Destroyed Abandoned Pittsburgh Church
PITTSBURGH (KDKA) -- Police have made an arrest in a raging three-alarm fire that destroyed a century-old, abandoned church in the city's Allentown section Friday afternoon.
The blaze broke out around 3 p.m. at the church and adjacent parsonage, which was also vacant, on the 300-block of Millbridge Street, near Climax Street.
Ivin Croft, 20, of Arnold, was arrested by Pittsburgh Police Friday night on charges of arson, criminal mischief and risking a catastrophe.
Detectives say they believe Croft is responsible for the fire.
The owner of the buildings, William Grimes, said he knew the fire had to have been set, since all the utilities had been shut off.
"Was remodeling it and I had all the utilities shut off, so there wouldn't be any chance of a fire. So, whatever started it, it was deliberately started. It didn't come from any kind of spark from electricity or gas," said Grimes.
Crews were able to bring it under control a little before 6 p.m.
Two hours after the fire was out, the vacant church's steeple toppled to the ground after firefighters blasted it with high pressure fire hoses.
Afterward, crews – as a safety precaution – were bringing in heavy equipment to knock down some walls that were still standing.
Pittsburgh Police sources said earlier in the day that investigators were talking to an individual based on information they received from neighbors.
The Pittsburgh Police Arson Squad is investigating. In addition to Pittsburgh firefighters, Department of Public Works and the Bureau of Building Inspection were also called to the scene.
Grimes said he had no insurance because the structure was unoccupied.
No one was hurt in the fire.
The church was established originally for a German congregation, but through the years has served as a House of Worship to other denominations.
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