Police: Man tried to blame dog for fire

• Tweet

LILLY, Pa., June 13 (UPI) -- Police in Pennsylvania said they arrested a man who tried to blame a dog for burning down his apartment.

Cresson Township police said John Joseph Saparo, 58, was arrested Monday after a nearly yearlong investigation into the fire that burned down his 158 Railroad St. apartment July 12, The Tribune-Democrat, Johnstown, N.Y., reported Wednesday.

Investigators said Saparo told a state police fire marshal "a dog may have started the fire by knocking over one of the fans."

However, police said they do not buy Saparo's explanation.

He was charged Monday with reckless endangerment, making false reports to law enforcement authorities, and arson and related offenses. He was ordered held on $25,000 bond.