Man accused of attempted arson in Saltsburg home

A Saltsburg man is accused of attempting to set a fire in a home in that Indiana County borough.

State police said Casey Kern Bush, 46, fled from the home at 714 Salt St. before troopers arrived to check a report of a disturbance involving the suspect shortly before 12:30 p.m. Thursday.

The home was Bush’s last known residence but was thought to be vacant, police said.

With permission from the owner to enter the property, troopers found that the front door appeared to have been forced open. Police said the house was in disarray, with a rear glass door shattered.

Troopers found two overturned fuel cans on the floor and what appeared to be diesel fuel spilled in several areas, police said. Several burnt and discarded cigarettes were found in the same floor area, and off-white-colored paint had been poured on the walls and floor, according to police.

Local firefighters and a county hazardous materials response team helped to contain and remove the suspected diesel fuel.

Later that afternoon, troopers found Bush in nearby Loyalhanna Township and took him into custody without incident.

Investigators said, when they located Bush, they found what appeared to be the same color of paint on his clothing and could smell the same fuel odor they’d detected in the house.

Bush is charged with attempted arson, possession of explosive or incendiary material, causing or risking a catastrophe, burglary, recklessly endangering another person and criminal mischief.

There also was an active warrant for Bush’s arrest, police said. He was charged with multiple counts of terroristic threats stemming from a May 7 incident in Saltsburg, according to online court documents.

Bush was lodged in the Indiana County Jail awaiting a preliminary hearing.