Pocono News Section

Police: Arsonists Targeted the Elderly

Police: Arsonists Targeted the Elderly - Tuesday, May 12, 2009 at 6:35PM EST

ORANGEVILLE, COLUMBIA COUNTY- Two volunteer firefighters in Columbia County are locked up on arson and a number of other charges. Their arrests Tuesday morning came less than 24-hours after an intentionally set fire critically injured an elderly couple.
Investigators say the arson crimes have a disturbing connection. The fires seemed to target the elderly.

It's a crime that's as startling as it is scandalous. A fire chief's wife and a teenager, both volunteers with Orangeville Community Fire Company, charged with arson and attempted murder.

Police say Kristen Strausser and Colton Barrett would end up fighting the intentionally set fires.

PA State Police Lieutenant Robert Bartal said, "At this point we know that they're affiliated with one another through the fire company and seem to have some personal friendship, relationship."

Barrett is charged with setting both of Monday's early morning fires in Fishing Creek and Orange Townships, and he and Strausser are accused of another Orange Township fire in March.

Columbia County District Attorney Gary Norton said, “All of the victims were ranging in ages from 77 to 89-years-old."

"It was certainly concerning to us the 2 fires yesterday and the Belles fire target elderly people," added Lt. Bartal.

Many question why Barrett was even fighting fires because of his criminal past. Barrett was charged with burglarizing other volunteer fire departments and selling stuff on eBay.

Investigators say Orangeville Community Fire Company President Irvin Martenas wanted to suspend Barrett in February because of the burglary charges. They say that both Barrett and Kristen Strausser decided to seek revenge. They drove to Martenas' house and shot out the back window of his jeep.

A month later, investigators say Barrett torched Raymond Belles' home. He's shocked to hear whose been charged. "Well, I hope they do away with them or something, now, 'cause it's too much a scare around here, you know," said Belles.

Belles is staying with a nephew while he fixes up his fire-damaged home. The arrests bring relief. "I'm glad that they found out and I can be safe from now on," he added.

Columbia County fire investigators are looking into 4 other fires. They're trying to determine if Barrett, Strausser or someone else is to blame.