2 charged in drilling business fire
BRUSH VALLEY – Two stepbrothers were charged with burning down a Western Pennsylvania business that manufactured custom-built drilling rigs.
Eighteen-year-old Tyler Hill, of Homer City, and 20-year-old Gage Darney, of Kittanning pleaded not guilty to charges including arson and burglary for the July 8 fire at V King Corp. in Indiana County.
The men both face a preliminary hearing Oct. 15 on the charges announced by state police this week.
Police said both men were seen watching 10 companies of firefighters battle the massive blaze that caused $1 million damage. Owner Leroy Hetager, of Indiana, said he won’t rebuild because he’s 85 years old and doesn’t want to start from scratch.
Police said the men spray-painted some vehicles before setting the fire and were initially questioned when a trooper saw red paint on their arms that day.