Police arrested a Bellefonte man on attempted murder and arson charges after a fire that destroyed a vehicle and damaged a home on Thursday night in Spring Township.
Emergency responders were dispatched to the 200 block of Vanessa Drive at 8:23 p.m. for a vehicle fire and were notified a minute later that the blaze had spread to a residence, Spring Township police wrote in a Facebook post.
An investigation led police to believe Matthew J. Davis, 36, intentionally set the fire using a large liquid propane tank.
He was taken into custody a short time later in Pleasant Gap and allegedly admitted to intentionally setting the fire in attempt to kill the residents of the home.
“This was an isolated incident, and the homeowners were known to Davis,” police wrote.
The vehicle was destroyed and the home sustained significant damage.
Davis is charged with attempted first-degree murder, two counts of arson, two counts of aggravated arson, attempted aggravated assault, causing catastrophe, criminal mischief and recklessly endangering another person.
He was arraigned on Friday morning by District Judge Casey McClain, who denied bail.
A preliminary hearing is scheduled for Wednesday.
More Police & Crime
View all Police & Crime
Sandusky Files to Cancel Evidentiary Hearing, Plans to Pursue Federal Appeal
Jerry Sandusky has filed to cancel an upcoming hearing where one of his accusers was expected to recant his allegations of sexual abuse and instead reportedly will pursue his appeal […]
Man Accused of Breaking Into State College Area Restaurant, Stealing Cash
A man used a large rock to break through the glass front door of a State College area restaurant then stole money from the register early Tuesday morning, according to […]
Charges Move Forward, Bail Granted for Alleged Leader of Penn State Fraternity Drug Ring
Updated 5:45 p.m. Wednesday, Sept. 2, 2026.Stories You MissedJudge Orders Sandusky Hearing to Proceed After Motion to CancelSeptember 4, 2026 The alleged leader of a cocaine trafficking ring that operated […]
