LANCASTER, PA – The East Hempfield Township Police Department announced the arrest of 36-year-old John Derek Hays of Akron, PA for arson and burglary.
Authorities stated that on Wednesday, March 8, 2023 police were dispatched to Benjamin Franklin Plumbing & Heating – 464 Running Pump Rd. for a fire that had occurred overnight. The investigation revealed that multiple fires had been set outside of the building, which was subsequently confirmed by a PA State Police Fire Marshal. Additionally, (25) tires on ten different vehicles owned by the business had been punctured.
Additionally, in the early morning hours of Thursday, March 9, 2023, police and fire personnel were again called to Benjamin Franklin Plumbing & Heating for a Vehicle Fire. When first responders arrived on the scene, there were two vehicles burning in the parking lot of the business. Fortunately, the blaze was extinguished without injuries to any persons, but not before an estimated total loss of $80,000 was determined. The Pennsylvania State Police Fire Marshal investigated and concluded that both fires had been started individually.
As a result of the investigation, John Derek Hays was identified as the suspect and taken into custody later Thursday morning without incident. Bail was set at $150,000 for the March 8th incident, and $250,000 for the March 9th charges. Hays was unable to post bail, and he was remanded to Lancaster County Prison.
Information, a criminal complaint, or an arrest is not a declaration of guilt. A suspect, arrestee, or defendant is presumed innocent until proven guilty in a court of law.
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