Man Set Fires in Gas Station, Laundry Room, Police Say

A Philadelphia man who police say had been living in a home on Knights Road and closed gas station on Street Road has been charged with multiple counts of burglary, criminal trespass and arson.

According to police, a witness saw Robert Schaeffer, 19, run out the back of a house on Knights Road while he investigated a broken window. Officers say they picked up Schaeffer at the bus station at Knights and Dunksferry roads.

During questioning, the affidavit says, Schaeffer told police that he had been living at the house and gained entry by breaking the back window. Police say Schaeffer also admitted to lighting a fire in the laundry room at Bucks Meadow Apartments on Aug. 21 by igniting trash and debris in a garbage can.

Schaeffer also admitted to lighting a fire inside the closed Delta gas station on Sept. 19 after breaking into the store and using it as a residence for several weeks.

Schaeffer has been confined to Bucks County prison, unable to post 10 percent bond on $25,000 bail.