Man Jailed for Arson He Blamed on Dog

The dog did it, man said, according to cops

A western Pennsylvania man who blamed his dog for causing an apartment fire has been jailed on charges that he set the fire himself.

Online court records don't list an attorney for 58-year-old John Saparo, of Cresson Township.

The Tribune-Democrat of Johnstown reports Wednesday that township police have charged him with setting the fire on July 12, though police have yet to specify how that happened.

What police did say is that they've determined the fire didn't start the way Saparo claimed. He allegedly told police he was cleaning and had several fans running at the time, only to have his dog knock over one of the fans which, somehow, started the fire.

Saparo remains in the Cambria County Jail awaiting a preliminary hearing June 20 on arson and related charges.

Copyright AP - Associated Press
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