Arson Arrest

Case # 19-027664

On July 12, 2019, at 12:07 AM, Abington Police and Abington Fire Company were dispatched to an apartment in the 1700 block of Old York Road for a fire alarm activation. While responding to the call, the officers were advised that a resident had just called 9-1-1 stating that his apartment was on fire and he was trapped in his room. The first responding officer saw flames in the hallway directly outside of a bedroom, where the man was screaming for help. The officer maneuvered through the flames and was able to assist the trapped resident and lead him to safety, while another officer used a fire extinguisher to battle the flames. The Abington Fire Company quickly arrived and was able to completely extinguish the fire. Fortunately, no injuries were sustained by the victim.

An investigation by the Abington Police Department and the Abington Fire Marshal concluded that the fire had been intentionally set by Stephen Swift. Swift, who was the victim’s roommate, had been intoxicated and became involved in an altercation with the victim. After telling the victim that he was going to kill him, Swift lit the fire and fled from the apartment. Swift was arrested later that morning after he returned to the scene of the crime. He was charged with attempted murder, arson, and related offenses. Swift was transported to Montgomery County Prison after failing to post $500,000 cash bail.

Stephen Swift

 CRIMINAL CHARGES, AND ANY DISCUSSION THEREOF, ARE MERELY ALLEGATIONS AND ALL DEFENDANTS ARE PRESUMED INNOCENT UNTIL AND UNLESS PROVEN GUILTY.

 Released by: Lt. Steve Fink
Approved by: Deputy Chief Kelley Warner