Bensalem, PA – A Michigan man has been arrested after allegedly driving over 730 miles to Pennsylvania to set fire to the home of a man who had been communicating with his ex-girlfriend online. The shocking act of revenge left six people hospitalized and tragically claimed the lives of two beloved family dogs.
According to the Bensalem Police Department, 21-year-old Harrison Jones of Rockford, Michigan, traveled across multiple states to carry out the attack. Around 5 a.m. on February 8, surveillance footage captured a black sedan pulling up to the home. Moments later, a man believed to be Jones exited the vehicle, walked toward the back of the house, and remained there for over ten minutes. He then sprinted away as the home erupted into flames.
Inside the residence were six people, including children and elderly family members. Thanks to the mother’s quick thinking, the family managed to escape, with some jumping from second-story windows to avoid the fire. Despite their efforts, the family’s two dogs, Trey and Jett, perished in the blaze.
“It’s a miracle they all survived,” said Bensalem Public Safety Director William McVey. “The mother’s bravery saved her family.”
Fire officials confirmed that the blaze was intentionally set. Investigators used surveillance footage to track down Jones, arresting him two days later in Michigan. Authorities noted that he had visible burns on his arm.
Jones was supposed to drive his ex-girlfriend to meet the Pennsylvania man in the future, but instead, he allegedly acted with “murderous intentions,” according to court documents. Officials have charged him with six counts of attempted homicide, arson, and related offenses. He is awaiting extradition to Pennsylvania.
The family, identified as Andrew and Stacy Zalenski, their children Alex and Ava, and Stacy’s parents, Joe and Karen Wendowski, lost everything in the fire. A GoFundMe page has been created to help them recover.
“This is a family’s worst nightmare,” said Bucks County District Attorney Jennifer Schorn. “The defendant’s actions are incomprehensible, and he will be held accountable.”
To honor the lost pets, a Philadelphia Animal Welfare Society (PAWS) fundraiser has also been launched, with plans to dedicate a kennel to Trey and Jett’s memory.
