Arsonist Set Fire To West Chester Apartment: Police

WEST CHESTER, PA —A 53-year-old West Chester man was charged with arson and related charges for setting his apartment on fire in the 100 block of West Miner Street while occupants were inside.

Mark Benzinger is in Chester County Prison in lieu of $250,000 bail after being arraigned before District Judge Marc J. Lieberman on charges of arson, endangering an inhabited building, risking a catastrophe, and related charges.

A preliminary hearing is scheduled on March 17.

Firefighters from West Cheste and West Whiteland firefighters extinguished the blaze which originated in the rear of the apartment on Feb. 20.

The Good Fellowship ambulance and EMS Training Institute paramedics were on the scene.

Police continue to investigate.