Published: February 04, 2009 11:24 am      

NEW – Men to stand trial in Erie County covered bridge arson

ERIE — State police say a 13-year-old girl overheard a conversation that led police to question two men who will now stand trial on charges they burned a historic covered bridge.

The Gudgeonville bridge in Girard Township was heavily damaged on Nov. 8. The bridge was built in 1868 and is listed on the National Register of Historic Places. It is the oldest of three covered bridges in Erie County.

Police say the girl is related to 23-year-old Jeffrey Adam Gleason, of Conneautville, who is charged with arson along with 21-year-old Joshua Michael Bell, of Albion.

Police said at a preliminary hearing Tuesday that they questioned Gleason after the girl tipped off police. Police say both men confessed, though each claims the other actually set the fire.

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Information from: Erie Times-News, http://www.goerie.com