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West Alexander man accused of setting fire at Legion post
A West Alexander man was arrested Tuesday night, accused of setting a fire inside American Legion Post 656 in Donegal Township.
James Melvin Ailes, 41, of 203 Main St., was arrested when he was caught inside the building after the fire was put out.
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When Oravetz arrived, he entered the building and saw a container of lighter fluid on the kitchen counter. There also was a fire extinguisher on the steps. A fire was found on the second floor of the building.
After firefighters extinguished the blaze, it was determined the fire started in a room on the second floor. Burned inside the room were a chair and the floor beneath it. Also found near the chair were a book and a light bulb. The fire was contained to the room.
Ward said Oravetz discovered a door leading into a room adjacent to the damaged one.
Inside the rear door, Oravetz found a pair of boots and a pack of Camel cigarettes.
"He recognized the boots as those like the ones worn by Ailes when he talked with him on Main Street about 6 p.m.," Ward said.
While checking the basement, firefighters found Ailes hiding in a crawl space. He was not wearing any shoes, Ward said.
Ailes was arraigned before District Judge David Mark on two counts of arson and one count each of burglary and criminal mischief. He was placed in Washington County Jail on $25,000 bond. A preliminary hearing is set for Wednesday in Central Court.
