Pennsylvania man accused of setting fire in 2 rooms at vacant motel

CARLISLE, Pa. — A Pennsylvania man is accused of setting fire to a vacant motel on Thursday, authorities said.

Roy Sampson, 57, was arrested and charged with arson, risking a catastrophe, disorderly conduct and criminal mischief, according to a news release from the Middlesex Township Police Department.

Police were called to the site of the former Diamond Carlisle Motel in Carlisle at about 12:48 p.m. EST, after receiving a report of a man setting fire inside the building, WHP-TV reported.

One man is facing serious charges after police say he purposely set alight two hotel rooms at the former Diamond Carlisle Motel.https://t.co/bOJz3Pozo5
— CBS 21 News (@CBS21NEWS) March 4, 2023

Officers arriving at the scene discovered two rooms in the building on fire, according to WPMT-TV. After extinguishing the blaze, police were directed to Sampson by a witness, the television station reported.

Sampson was later observed walking through the parking lot of the former motel and was taken into custody without incident, according to the news release.

Sampson is currently being held at the Cumberland County Prison, WHP reported. Bail was set at $100,000 bail.