Man Accused Of Setting Dollar General Fire Headed To Trial
WESTMORELAND COUNTY (KDKA) -- A man accused of setting a local business on fire is going to trial.
Jonathan Szabo, of Charleroi, waived his right to a preliminary hearing Friday morning. Szabo is accused of setting the Dollar General at Tri-County Plaza in Rostraver Township on fire on Oct. 24.
Police say Szabo worked at the store. He allegedly picked up a cigarette lighter from a shelf and started setting paper products on fire. Police say Szabo later admitted to setting the fire.
About a dozen people were in the store at the time, including employees and customers. No one was hurt.
The blaze caused about $2 million in damages. The Dollar General had the most damage, but nearby Hallmark and Jo-Ann Fabrics had smoke damage, too.
"Seeing your store filled with smoke, your just devastated," said Helen Tretinik, who manages the Hallmark. "Everybody is frustrated. We're tired because this is just ridiculous work."
Family members and attorneys did not want to talk on camera after Friday's court appearance, but say Szabo has significant developmental problems. They say, he once set his own house on fire as a child.
"We all feel bad for people of diminished capacity, but there comes a point where you have to be responsible for your actions. That's kind how we feel," Tretinik said.
Szabo is being held in the Westmoreland County Prison on $250,000 bond.
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