Story by Sandy Giordano – Beaver County Radio. Published June 29, 2023 9:48 A.M.
(Aliquippa, PA) Anthony George Karas, 42, listed as homeless, set 8 fires in West Aliquippa. 2 on Main Avenue on May 27, 2023, 3 on Erie Avenue on Saturday, June 3, 2023, and 1 on Beaver, 1 on Allegheny Avenue and one on Main Avenue on June 16, 2023. Multiple fire departments responded to assist at the scenes.
He was seen fleeing the scene of the 511 Main Avenue fire and police were dispatched and they set up a perimeter in the area of the West Aliquippa overpass by the railroad tracks. When he saw Sgt. Josh Gonzalez , he immediately gestured a surrender by putting his hands in the air and laying on the ground. Upon taking him into custody, Sgt. Gonzalez noticed Karas was highly intoxicated. He was searched and secured in the rear of the police car. He was searched, multiple items were found on Karas, including a green lighter, and an open 12 ounce can of Genesee Ice Beer.
The deputy fire marshal ruled the fires to be a result of arson, according to the criminal complaint.
Karas is charged with 24 felonies which include 3 for arson, 3 for arson on an unoccupied 3 for burglary, 3 counts of reckless burning, 3 counts of possessing explosive material, 3 counts of criminal trespass-break into structure, 3 felony counts of risking a catastrophe, 3 counts of criminal mischief/damaging property intent, reckless or negligent.
The misdemeanors include 17 counts of recklessly endangering another person, 3 counts of loitering and prowling at nighttime, 2 counts of reckless endangerment.
Karas is lodged in the Beaver County Jail without bail.