Jury convicts Jamat Manzoor of arson, insurance fraud for Susquehanna Township fire in 2014
Posted 9:55 AM, November 4, 2016, by Cale Ahearn
DAUPHIN COUNTY, Pa.– A Dauphin County jury convicted a man of arson after he set a fire in April 2014.
Jamat Manzoor is facing endangering persons, arson of an inhabited building and insurance fraud.
On April 13, 2014, Manzoor set a gasoline fire at 3507 Elmerton Avenue in Susquehanna Township. This property was a rental that Manzoor owned.
Progress Fire Company responded to the blaze and firefighter Matthew Hartman suffered burns to his shoulders and one hand while battling the flames.
Following the fire, Manzoor made false statements while making an insurance claim for the fire damage to his rental property, which was a complete loss.
Manzoor’s bail was set to $500,000 and his sentencing is set for January 4, 2017. He is currently being held in the Dauphin County Prison.
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April 13, 2014 at 8:55 PM
SUSQUEHANNA TOWNSHIP – A single-family house was destroyed after a fire broke out at 3507 Elmerton Ave. early Sunday evening.
The house, which sits directly across the street from Susquehanna Township High School, was vacant and under renovation, said George Drees, Susquehanna Township Fire Chief.
The homeowner discovered the fire after he arrived at the house at about 6:30 p.m. When he opened the front door, the homeowner was met by flames that kissed the side of his face, Drees said. The homeowner, who called emergency personnel to the scene, refused treatment at the scene, however, he said.
One firefighter was sent to Hershey Medical Center for the treatment of minor burns, Drees said.
The second-floor of the house collapsed during the fire. And Drees deemed the property a total loss, saying there was about $100,000 in damage.
Firefighters were able to contain the fire within about 20 minutes of arrival. By 8 p.m., fire crews were using a chainsaw to cut vents in the roof, and putting out hotspots with water.
Drees did not know what caused the fire and said a fire investigation soon would be underway.