Masked Arsonist Lit Montco Home On Fire In The Middle Of The Night: PD

LOWER MORELAND, PA — A man has been charged with arson after lighting a Montgomery County home on fire in the middle of the night Sunday.

The incident occurred at around 4:07 a.m. on March 10 in Lower Moreland, on the 2000 block of Pine Road.

Michael Gonsalves, 42, of Philadelphia was seen wearing a mask near the front of a home, trying to get inside, police said.

Police were called to the scene, and by the time they arrived, the front porch of the home was already full engulfed in flames, according to authorities.

It's not clear what Gonsalves used to set the fire, nor what circumstances led up to the incident. When police arrived, Gonsalves was still there, and they said they saw him throw something toward the burning porch.

He tried to flee toward a Volkswagen that was parked out front, but the Volkswagen sped away, and police said they chased down Gonsalves through several neighboring yards.

He was eventually captured and arrested.

One of the officers on the scene was able to put out the fire with a fire extinguisher, and the residents and multiple pets were able to safely evacuate.

No injuries were reported, but the front porch and front entryway to the home were severely damaged.

Gonsalves has been charged with arson, aggravated assault, attempt to cause severe bodily injury, and numerous related counts. He was booked at Montgomery County Correctional Facility on $50,000 bail. A preliminary hearing is forthcoming.