A man is charged with arson in connection with a fire at a duplex in McCandless.
Police responded to a separate call at the duplex for reports of a man attacking a woman with a broom at 605 Westchester Drive. When they got there, they saw smoke and flames coming from the second-floor window of 607 Westchester Drive, the duplex’s adjacent home.
PREVIOUS COVERAGE >>> 2 people injured in McCandless fire
According to court documents, Eugene Julian Twardesky, 54, admitted to setting a blanket on fire with a lighter at the scene.
Police said he did this after he got into an argument with another duplex tenant. During that dispute, he allegedly attacked the other tenant with a broom. That woman had to be taken to a hospital.
Two dogs died in the fire.
Twardesky was taken to the Allegheny County Jail after being evaluated at UPMC Mercy Hospital.
He faces charges of aggravated assault, serious animal cruelty, arson and causing or risking catastrophe.
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