Student accused of setting several small fires
PITTSBURGH (AP) – A Carnegie Mellon University student is accused of setting several fires in Pittsburgh last week.
Police say 20-year-old Benjamin Perlin told them he was under the influence of prescription medicine and alcohol when he set the fires during a three-hour period from late Wednesday to early Thursday. The Nashville, Tenn., resident was arrested Saturday and charged with arson, risking a catastrophe and criminal mischief.
Police used surveillance footage to catch Perlin. An officer from Carnegie Mellon contacted Pittsburgh police after recognizing him in the images.
Police say he had burns on his hands when they interviewed him.
A message left with Perlin’s attorney seeking comment wasn’t immediately returned.
He’s due in court for a preliminary hearing on June 10.