From staff reports

LEWISTOWN — A Mifflin man is being held on a quarter-million dollars bail after police said he set fire to a building on Woodland Avenue.

Jarvin O. Lopez, 39, was arraigned before Magisterial District Judge Craig Weston Monday on felonies, two counts of arson of an inhabited building; two counts of endangering property via arson; two counts of arson with intent to destroy an unoccupied building; one count of burglary; two counts of criminal mischief with intent to damage property; two counts of criminal mischief, damaging property; one count of criminal trespass, misdemeanor resisting arrest, criminal mischief and summary criminal trespass.

According to the Affidavit of Probable Cause, Mifflin County Regional Police were called to a residential fire at a duplex on the 500 block of Woodland Avenue, Derry Township, on Aug. 15. It was reported to the Mifflin County Communications Center that Lopez had started the fire. At that time, police attempted to take Lopez into custody for questioning. The report states that Lopez resisted arrest, which injured one of the officers.

According to the report, Lopez was previously in a relationship with the resident of the Woodland Avenue home. The resident reported they were trying to avoid contact with Lopez due to a breakup.

According to the report, Lopez sent the victim texts just before the fire which led them to believe he caused the blaze.

Prior to the police interview, officers said they could smell alcohol on Lopez’ breath and asked him to take a breathalyzer test and was found to have a blood alcohol content of .039 percent.

An investigation from the fire marshall determined that the fire originated at the top of the stairs of 504 Woodland Avenue at a black garbage bag that contained combustible items.

A witness reported to police that they saw Lopez exit the residence at 504 Woodland Avenue and walk into 506 through the front door. Then, a short time later, Lopez was seen walking between 502 and 504 Woodland Avenue shortly after smoke was seen coming from the attic vent on the front of the duplex. Police said 506 Woodland Avenue was vacant at the time of the fire.

It was also reported that a dog who lived at the residence sustained burns on the bottom of his paws.

Lopez is being held in Mifflin County Correctional Facility, unable to post $250,000 bail. He is awaiting a preliminary hearing set for 9 a.m. Sept. 3 before Magisterial District Judge Craig Weston.