CLEARFIELD – The man accused of starting a fire at a camp on Fire Tower Road waived his right to a preliminary hearing before Magisterial District Judge Richard Ireland on Wednesday.
John M. Hainsey, 33 of Clearfield faces charges of arson, two counts of criminal mischief, three counts of resisting arrest, disorderly conduct, and public drunkenness.
The charges stem from an event that took place on Saturday around 8:30 p.m. The Hyde fire department was dispatched to a structure fire at a location on a private drive off of Fire Tower Road.
According to the affidavit of probable cause, once on scene, fire officials discovered Hainsey in a wooded area near the scene. Hainsey told officials he was sitting on the porch of the structure smoking a cigarette, which he flicked onto a seat. He told officials he turned and walked away from the structure, at which time he smelled smoke.
Hainsey told both police and fire officials that he attempted to remove the seat from the porch, but was unable to, and burned his fingers in the process.
Hainsey then said he fled to the wooded area.
When police tried to place Hainsey in custody, it was reported that Hainsey became combative and began to swing his arms while making a fist. He was taken to the ground and cuffed, during which time he broke a light on a piece of firefighting equipment.
While at the Lawrence Township Police station, it was reported that Hainsey became combative with officers. While trying to take Hainsey to the patrol vehicle, he became combative again.
The camp was a loss, and damage is estimated at $20,000.
Hainsey is being held in Clearfield County Jail in lieu of $10,000 straight bail.