Aug 10, 2017 2 min read

A North Franklin Township man was charged by township police with arson, risking a catastrophe and 10 counts of reckless endangerment for allegedly setting fire to his own house early Sunday.

Charges against Jonathan Pizzuti, 34, of 208 Trinity Drive, were filed Monday at the office of District Judge Robert Redlinger.

Police and township firefighters were called about 4 a.m. for a report of a fire, with someone possibly still inside the house. Police learned an unconscious man had been dragged outside and was on the porch. When police arrived, the garage door was open and heavy smoke was coming from a side door.

Firefighters removed a portion of a sectional couch from the living room. A melted gas can was found in the house, and there was a heavy burn mark on the hardwood floor. Firefighters also had to force their way into bedrooms because the doors were locked from the inside.

Pizzuti was taken by ambulance to Washington Hospital. While on their way, the ambulance crew notified police Pizzuti smelled strongly of gasoline. When police went to the hospital, the officer questioned him about the fire, but Pizzuti reportedly refused to answer any questions.

Pizzuti’s wife told police he had gone to The Meadows Casino Saturday night. When he returned, she said he was intoxicated. The two got into an argument, and he reportedly took her cellphone and hid it.

Pizzuti’s wife told police he also threatened to kill himself. She said she removed a shotgun from the house, hiding it along a wooded area behind the residence. She and their son went to the North Strabane Township home of Pizzuti’s parents. They returned later to the North Franklin home and discovered the fire.

Police were able to retrieve the shotgun.

No date has been set for a preliminary hearing.