Crime & Safety
1 Arrested In Arson At West Chester's Beloved Jake's Bar: Police
The fire trapped multiple people on the roof of the apartments that sit above the bar, authorities said.
WEST CHESTER, PA — A fire at the beloved Jake's Bar in West Chester last week was intentionally set, and the suspect has been arrested, police said.
Michael Thompson, 22, of Marcus Hook in Delaware County, has been charged with attempted criminal homicide, aggravated arson, burglary, and related counts.
The incident occurred on Tuesday, July 8 just after 5:30 a.m.
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Thompson set the blaze in the apartments above the bar, trapping two residents on the roof and causing a third to fall down to the second floor in an attempt to escape, police said.
Authorities did not reveal his motive, but the Daily Local News reported that Thompson was targeting his ex-girlfriend's apartment.
Find out what's happening in West Chesterfor free with the latest updates from Patch.
The investigation resulted in Thompson's arrest on Thursday, July 10.
Jake's Bar has since reopened following the damage to the building.
He was booked at Chester County Prison, and a preliminary hearing will be scheduled after his arraignment.
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