Arsonist Set Chesco Home Ablaze And Fired Shots At Troopers: DA

CHESTER COUNTY, PA —A 59-year-old man was arrested Tuesday on charges of attempting to murder state troopers and setting his northern Chester County house on fire on April 3.

Nicholas Valenti of West Nantmeal Township is in Chester County Prison in lieu of $750,000 bail after being arraigned before District Judge John Hipple in Pottstown on charges of attempted murder, aggravated assault, arson, and related offenses.

Fire investigators said the house was destroyed.

District Attorney Deb Ryan said when state troopers responded to a housefire to help they were met with unexpected gunfire.

“This is another grave reminder of how dangerous it is for first responders every single day and it is a miracle that no one was killed,” Ryan said.

Fire marshals determined the blaze ignited in a first-floor family room.

Red melted plastic believed to be the remains of a gas container was also recovered at the residence, fire officials said.

According to the police complaint:

At 7:31 a.m., state troopers from Embreeville responded to a residential fire at 42 Isabella Road. As the troopers walked up the driveway, they heard gunshots from outside of the residence.

A trooper discharged one round from his department-issued patrol rifle, striking the suspect in the hand and leg. Troopers and local officers rendered emergency aid.

Valenti was transported to Reading Hospital, where he was treated and released.

A loaded silver revolver handgun and live ammunition were located near the suspect.

The following day, police issued a search warrant and seized a .44 magnum revolver, two spent shell casings, and an AR-15 rifle with a round found in the chamber and 17 live rounds in the magazine.