A Michigan man has been arrested after allegedly driving more than 700 miles to set fire to a Pennsylvania home where a man who had communicated with his ex-girlfriend lived, authorities said.
Harrison Jones, 21, was taken into custody after investigators linked him to the blaze in Bensalem, Pennsylvania. The fire broke out while six people were inside the home, all of whom were hospitalized. Tragically, the family’s two dogs, Trey and Jett, did not survive.
Jones now faces multiple charges, including six counts of attempted homicide and arson. He is currently awaiting extradition to Pennsylvania.
According to police, the mother of the household played a crucial role in saving her family. She heard unusual noises, discovered the fire, and evacuated everyone before the situation worsened.
“It’s a miracle they all survived,” Bensalem Public Safety Director William McVey said in a press conference. “And we credit the mother for her quick actions that ensured her family’s safety.”
Investigators determined the fire was deliberately set. Their only initial clue was a grainy surveillance image of a black sedan near the home. Footage showed the suspect arriving around 5 a.m., with flames erupting shortly after.
Two days later, authorities traced the vehicle to Jones and arrested him. Police also noted he had visible burns on his arm.
Officials confirmed that Jones is the ex-boyfriend of a Michigan woman who had been in an online relationship with a male resident of the targeted home since 2023. While the exact motive is still under investigation, court documents suggest Jones had originally planned to drive his ex-girlfriend to meet the Pennsylvania man at a hotel. Instead, investigators say, he travelled alone with “murderous intentions.”
“He drove over 730 miles, 11 hours, to do what he did and then drove directly back home,” McVey said.
