Published: March 05, 2008 10:18 pm      

Summerhill Twp. arson suspect ordered to stand trial

PORTAGE — Arson, burglary and related charges against a Summerhill Township man accused of setting a neighboring home on fire were bound over for further court action Wednesday.

Stephen Richard Adams, 29, of the 100 block of Lance Street, was returned to the Cambria County Prison in lieu of $75,000 bail following a preliminary hearing in front of Portage District Judge Galen Decort.  Summerhill Township police believe Adams illegally entered the vacant home in the 100 block of Century Street, removed merchandise including a snowblower and hunting and fishing gear, then lit the structure to disguise the crime.

Adams was living in a residence on the property of Brunett’s Personal Care Home, where he had moved four days prior to the Feb. 25 burglary and fire.

Summerhill Township police Officer Brett Selapack testified that Adams’ footprints were found in the 3 to 4 inches of newly fallen snow leading to and away from the home owned by David and Shelly Chrisko.

The footprints had a distinctive V pattern that matched boots belonging to Adams, police said.

Adams told police he had walked behind the Chrisko home prior to the fire, but only to check on a tire swing.

Selapack said the unusual footprints led investigators through a wooded area and toward a trailer park, where they found a 5-gallon gas can apparently abandoned in the snow.

The unusual footprints and drag marks made by a suitcase police said Adams used to haul off some of the items from the Chrisko home led to the home where Adams was living.

An employee of the personal-care home said she observed Adams walking past the windows of the home, which was about 100 yards from the Chrisko home.

Shelly Chrisko testified she has not lived in the home for the past few months, but a number of personal items remained, including property of her now estranged husband.

Items belonging primarily to David Chrisko later were found in the basement of the home where Adams lived with three other people.