Update: One dead, two seriously injured in Lewistown arson

BY BRIAN CARSON

LEWISTOWN — A late-night house fire that killed a 44-year-old woman and seriously injured two other people in Lewistown Borough has been ruled arson, and police have identified a 40-year-old Lewistown man as the suspect.

The fire was reported shortly before midnight Wednesday at a home in the 200 block of Bratton Avenue. Crews arrived to find people trapped inside the burning home.

Police said Robert Zimmerman, 40, of Lewistown, has been identified by multiple witnesses as the suspect in the fire, according to WGAL and FOX43 reports. Zimmerman was taken into custody on an outstanding warrant and state parole detainer while authorities continued the arson investigation.

The woman who died has not been publicly identified. Police said two other people were seriously injured.

According to WGAL, a man escaped by jumping from a second-floor window and suffered significant facial injuries and internal burns to his throat. A woman was seen hanging from a second-floor window before falling to the sidewalk below. Authorities believe she may have lost consciousness from smoke inhalation. Both victims were flown to trauma centers.

Investigators said witnesses told police Zimmerman had been at the home shortly before the fire, where he was “professing his love” to a woman who lived in the attic of the residence. After the woman rejected him, Zimmerman allegedly became upset and began setting several items on fire on the first floor of the home, according to police.

Police said witnesses also reported hearing Zimmerman admit to starting the fire. Witnesses told investigators Zimmerman was seen in a nearby alley as the home began to burn.

Authorities said surveillance images appear to support the witness accounts.

Police later found Zimmerman at his home. Investigators said he smelled of ash and smoke when he was taken into custody. Police said Zimmerman told officers he had ingested fentanyl and showed signs of an opioid overdose. He was taken to Geisinger Lewistown Hospital for treatment before being medically cleared and questioned by police.

The Pennsylvania State Police fire marshal is investigating the fire. Earlier reports said the Mifflin County Coroner’s Office responded to the scene and that an autopsy was expected Saturday.

Charges related to the arson, death and injuries were expected to be filed, according to WGAL. FOX43 reported Zimmerman was arrested for allegedly starting the fire that killed the woman and injured two others.