Bensalem Teen Lit Sneakers On Fire, Charged With Arson: Police

BENSALEM TOWNSHIP, PA —Tylik Friar didn't like his sneakers anymore. So he lit them on fire.

That's what the 19-year-old township resident told Bensalem Police after he was charged with arson and other offenses for lighting his sneakers on fire early Thursday morning.

Friar was arraigned before Bensalem District Judge Michael Gallagher on five felony arson-related charges, including reckless burning and risking a catastrophe, nine related misdemeanors, and a summary charge of disorderly conduct, Sgt. Glenn Vandegrift said.

Bensalem police and firefighters responded to a call in the 3900 block of Bristol Pike shortly after 5:30 a.m. Thursday for a fire at a three-story twin home. The 911 caller said her son set a fire in his bedroom.

Vandegrift said the mother woke up to fire alarms going off in the home, which is shared with five younger children.

Bensalem firefighters quickly extinguished the fire, which damaged the bedroom floor and carpet, he said.

"Luckily, they had working smoke detectors," Vandegrift said.

Vandegrift said that Bensalem Fire Marshal Robert Sponheimer conducted the investigation and determined that the fire was arson.

When police asked the teen why he started the fire, Vandegrift said he really didn't provide a good answer.

"He didn't like his sneakers anymore," he said.