Published: July 08, 2009 11:13 pm      

Arson suspect arraigned

PORTAGE — A Portage man accused of setting fire to a two-story home with people inside was arraigned Wednesday.

Harry Breathard Carbaugh, 66, was arraigned by District Judge Galen Decort of Portage on charges of arson and related offenses, risking a catastrophe and reckless endangerment stemming from the July 1 fire.

In a court document, Portage Borough police Chief Ed Miller said Carbaugh was involved in a dispute over money with a resident of the Orchard Street home where the fire occurred.

The residence was described as a “mission” home where the owner has several lodgers.

Police said Carbaugh got mad, went upstairs and allegedly started a fire in a bedroom.

Carbaugh denied starting the fire but later told police he went into the bedroom with a lighter that he dropped on the bed. The lighter exploded, he said, and set the sheets on fire.

Three people escaped the burning home without injury.

Damage to the home was estimated at $60,000.

In a second criminal compliant filed by police, Carbaugh was charged with obstructing emergency services and disorderly conduct.

Police said Carbaugh tried four times to get inside the home as the fire was being extinguished.

Carbaugh was returned to

the Cambria County Prison where he is being held on $100,000 bond.