Man Arrested In Connection With Etna Arson
ETNA (KDKA) - A man has been arrested after confessing to setting a fire in Etna early Monday morning, which left two firefighters injured.
According to officials at the scene, the fire broke out around 1:25 a.m. at 35 Vine Street.
Sources close to the investigation classified the fire as arson and that one man had been taken into custody. The man later confessed to setting the fire.
He has been identified as 21-year-old Alan Erb.
A neighbor said he saw someone walk out from behind the building smoking a cigarette while watching the structure. The man, believed to be Erb, kept watching the structure until an explosion happened on the second floor.
The neighbor walked over and asked if there was anyone else in the fire. When the man declined to acknowledge the question, the neighbor called 911. At that time, the suspect fled the scene, but was later taken into custody.
It was a difficult fire to fight and did result in a few getting medical treatment. Two firefighters were taken to a local hospital with heat-related injuries, but are expected to be okay.
Neighbors said the house has been vacant since 2010 and has been the site of parties and suspected drug use.
The structure is a total loss.
Erb is currently awaiting arraignment and will be taken to the Allegheny County Jail.
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