PITTSBURGH --

A Pittsburgh-area volunteer firefighter from a well-known family is accused of starting a fire, then returning to the scene to help put it out.

The suspect, Gene Peck, 20, is the son of Allegheny County Judge candidate Michele Zappala-Peck and is District Attorney Stephen Zappala's nephew.

According to the criminal complaint, Peck admitted to police that he intentionally threw lit matches into a garbage can, then left without warning residents inside an apartment building in Mount Lebanon.

Six people live inside the Overlook Drive apartment complex, police said. The smoke alarm went off, and residents were evacuated. No injuries were reported.

"I really wasn't mad until I found out it was a volunteer firefighter," said one resident, who didn't want to be identified. "He gives all firefighters a bad name by what he does."

Peck has been with the Mount Lebanon Fire Department for 14 months and just finished his probation period in March.

"We're both very frustrated and very surprised one of our staff members would violate the public trust," said Fire Chief Nick Sohyda.

According to the criminal complaint, Peck first told police he was driving around at 3 a.m. unable to sleep when he spotted the fire.

Later, he said he had stopped at the scene and saw a man running away.

Investigators said under questioning, Peck eventually admitted that he started the garbage on fire, watched it spread to a second garbage container, then went to the fire hall where he notified a supervisor about the fire, and returned to the scene to help put it out.

Through an attorney, Michelle Zappala-Peck said her son suffers from bi-polar disorder and had been off his medication.

"Gene is a special needs person," said attorney Bob DelGreco. "He has a documented history of mental health issues. The family is going to make sure he gets the treatment and the help he needs."

Peck faces numerous charges, including arson, endangering lives, and risking a catastrophe.

He's been suspended from his firefighting duties, and has a preliminary hearing scheduled for May 27.

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