BIG RUN, Pa. --
A former volunteer firefighter charged with eight counts of arson says he knew and was fond of one of his alleged victims.
Anthony Overbeck is accused of eight arsons in the Big Run, Jefferson County, area. Among the fires he's accused of starting is one that destroyed 84-year-old James Stellabuto's home on Caroline Street in July.
According to police, Overbeck said knew Stellabuto. In fact, Overbeck said he liked Stellabuto and went trick-or-treating at his house on Halloween. He told police Stellabuto always gave out big candy bars.
For more than 50 years, Stellabuto has lived in Big Run and many people in town know him. After the first fire, Stellabuto told WJAC he was lucky to get out alive.
"I heard my fire alarm go off, and I went to go check in the other room. I thought maybe the battery was gone. So I went and got my easy chair and it didn't quit, and then I smelled something," said Stellabuto.
According to the criminal affidavit, Overbeck used a lighter to set a window shutter on fire. Stellabuto was sleeping in a chair while the fire spread quickly.
Overbeck said he was unaware that Stellabuto's home was occupied when he started the fire, police said. Investigators believe the Overbeck set fire to the home again, but by the second fire, Stellabuto had already vacated the gutted home.
Overbeck is accused of starting at least eight fires in the Big Run, Jefferson County, area dating back to February. Police said that for many of the fires Overbeck set, he returned in uniform to help put them out.
State troopers told Channel 6 News the case is still under investigation. However, they believe Overbeck acted alone.
Stay with WJACTV.com, WJACTV.com Mobile and Channel 6 News for continuing coverage.
Volunteer Firefighter Told Police He Knew Caroline Street Fire Victim
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