Overview
- Investigators say the blaze began in McDermott’s unit on Uncus/Uncas Lane and spread to three attached townhomes on Monday evening.
- Police filed multiple felony counts, including aggravated arson, causing or risking a catastrophe, criminal mischief, and reckless endangerment.
- A witness told officers McDermott lit small fires throughout the day, placed a loveseat over a smoldering spot, and said he needed to kill spiders.
- McDermott allegedly fled in a U-Haul truck and remains at large, with police urging anyone with information to call 911 or Pocono Mountain Regional Police.
- Fire crews battled the blaze for roughly eight hours in high winds, ice, and frigid temperatures with assistance from at least seven neighboring companies.