22-year-old arrested, charged with arson

Williamsport, Pa. — Police arrested a 22-year-old man they say is responsible for setting several fires throughout the city at the beginning of the month.

Police found manmade incendiary items in the home of Jacob George Fichter, who set multiple fires in Williamsport on Nov. 4 and 5, according to a release from Williamsport Bureau of Police. Fires were intentionally set in the 1300 block of Park Avenue, the 1000 block of Vine Avenue, the 1300 block of Scott Street, and the 100 block of Third Street.

Surveillance video of the scenes showed a man riding his bike in the areas when the fires occurred, according to police. Penn College police assisted investigators finding the bike, which led officers to Fichter.

Clothes identified in the surveillance videos were found during a search of Fitcher's apartment and vehicle. After being taken into custody, Fichter admitted to setting several of the fires including ones on Vine and Scott streets.

Fichter is being charged with arson reckless burning, arson endangering property, criminal mischief, recklessly endangering another person, and three other offenses. He is being held at the Lycoming County Prison on $200,000 monetary bail.

The Williamsport Bureau of Fire assisted with the investigation.