On August 30, 2022, following a two day jury trial in front of President Judge Guido, a jury convicted Alexander Allen, 55, of Arson—Endangering Property and Criminal Mischief stemming from a June 27, 2021 fire at the Churchtown Church of God in Monroe Township. Just before 8 in the evening of June 27, 2021, Pennsylvania State Police and fire personnel were dispatched to the Church for a report of an active vehicle fire in the parking lot. Following investigation, it was determined that Allen drove to the Church with a propane tank in the vehicle, wiped lighter fluid on the interior and set the vehicle on fire before fleeing the scene on foot. According to the testimony of Pennsylvania State Police Trooper Cory Terek of the Fire Marshal Unit, the fire quickly spread through the passenger compartment of the vehicle before causing the propane tank to explode inside of the vehicle, placing other nearby vehicles and buildings in danger of damage or destruction. Allen was ultimately apprehended approximately 45 minutes after setting the fire, about 1.5 miles away from the scene. As Trooper Scott Dojka approached Allen, he began to pour lighter fluid on his body and attempted to ignite himself with a lighter. Thanks to the quick action of Trooper Dojka, Allen was unsuccessful and taken into custody without incident. The case was prosecuted by Chief Deputy District Attorney Kimberly Metzger. The District Attorney’s Office thanks Troopers Terek and Dojka, as well as lead investigator Trooper Michael Wells for their hard work on this case.