Pittsburgh man heads to court for torching car
A Pittsburgh man accused of setting fire to his own vehicle left along National Pike in West Pike Township and turning the claim into his insurance company waived his right to a preliminary hearing Wednesday before District Judge James Ellis.
John Wesley Doswell, 67, of Pittsburgh, was charged with two counts of arson and insurance fraud. One count of arson was withdrawn at Wednesday’s hearing.
Police said Doswell torched his 2002 Ford Explorer, which was left at 575 National Pike, with a road flare on June 21. The Richeyville Volunteer Fire Department was called to the scene and extinguished the burning vehicle.
The following day, police said Doswell reported the loss to his insurance company, Safe Auto.
When questioned by police, Doswell admitted to owning the vehicle and said it had been at the National Pike location for weeks.
He said it needed repairs and that he didn’t have the money to fix it.
Surveillance video from nearby businesses show a silver Dodge Avenger pulling up to the abandoned vehicle. A man exits the Avenger, walks toward the burned vehicle and then leaves the area.
A witness was able to identify Doswell for police.
Doswell is free on $25,000 unsecured bond.