A Bradford man is facing arson charges stemming from a 2015 pick-up truck fire.
Thomas Lee Raybuck, 33, of 48 Sanford St., was arraigned Monday before Magisterial District Judge Richard Luther on charges of arson-danger of death or bodily injury, a first-degree felony; arson-intent collect insurance, a second-degree felony; and false/fraudulent/incomplete insurance claim, a third-degree felony, court records stated.
At 3:20 p.m. Feb. 28, 2015, a report came into the McKean County 911 Center of a vehicle fire at the intersection of West Songbird Road and Niles Hollow — “a remote wooded area of Bradford Township,” court records read.
On arrival, Bradford Township Police found a yellow Dodge Dakota pick-up truck with heavy fire damage facing east and parked off the paved part of the road. The Bradford Township Volunteer Fire Department asked for help in determining the cause of the fire from state police, who allegedly found gasoline in the debris.
“Upon completion of the investigation, evidence collection and analysis it was concluded the vehicle fire was an intentional act of arson,” court records stated.
In addition to starting the fire, Raybuck has also been accused of filing a claim with State Farm Insurance Co. “containing false, incomplete and misleading information,” according to court records.
Raybuck was committed to McKean County Jail in Smethport in lieu of $25,00 bail. He is scheduled to appear in Central Court on Thursday.
An Era article published days after the fire indicated that Raybuck suffered burns and smoke inhalation in the fire. He declined treatment at the scene, but later went to Bradford Regional Medical Center and was subsequently flown to an out-of-area hospital for medical treatment.
He reportedly suffered the burns when he tried to retrieve personal belongings from the truck after the fire started.
About 15 firefighters and two engines from Bradford Township fought the blaze.