Dennis McGrath mugshot. (Photo/ LCSO)
YORK — An alleged arsonist that was rampantly starting a string of barn fires has been apprehended after attempting to burn down a Linden barn.
According to a press release from Livingston County Sheriff John M. York, Dennis P. Mcgrath, 48, has been charged with Arson in the third degree, burglary in the third degree and petit larceny. He was arraigned before Town Justice Purtell in York and remanded to the Livingston County Jail on $10,000 cash bail or $20,000 bond. Additional charges are expected.
The string of fires date back to September 26th when a barn fire on Cowan Road was set. Responders were able to extinguish the fire, but the barn was a total loss. When investigators completed their processing of the scene, they discovered that the fire was intentionally set. They also uncovered the burglary of an adjacent building where torches and tools were stolen. In addition, the very next morning the 911 Center received a call that several round bales of hay were on fire on Limerick Rd. The Fire Department was able to put that fire out without incident or further damage to any other properties. This fire was also investigated and determined to be arson.
Last night the 911 center received a call for a barn fire on Linwood Rd. in the Town of York. First responders arrived and found that someone had intentionally set the fire. Damage was minimal due to the quick reporting of a passer by and the fast response of the York Fire Department. Investigation at the scene by Sheriff’s Office personnel, the York Fire Department and the Livingston County Fire Coordinators found that the suspect had used an aerosol can and papers to start the fire.
After an investigation by the Sheriff’s Office they were able to recover the stolen torches and tools from Mr. McGrath at his home.
Handling the case for the Sheriff’s Office was Inv. Gene Chichester, Sgt. Michael Dougherty, Deputies Mike Williams, Christopher Brosius, Brandan Flickner, John Morgan and Major Matt Burgess. Assisting were Fire Coordinators Tom Pearson, Tom McGory andJerry Gehrig. Members of the York Fire Department along with District Attorney Greg McCaffrey.