Police ID man arrested in Center City arson
CENTER CITY (WPVI) -- The Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco and Firearms said an arrest has been made in a Center City arson.
Investigators said they believe Stephen Pettiway is responsible for setting the fire that forced dozens of evacuations and left a construction site in ruins.
The fire was called in around 4:30 a.m. Tuesday at 13th and Chancellor streets in Center City.
People from two apartment buildings were forced out of their homes.
"There were over 40 individuals that were displaced as a result of this crime, and over $1 million in damage to that property and the adjacent properties," said ATF special agent Steven Bartholomew.
Bartholomew wouldn't reveal a motive for the crime stating the investigation is ongoing.
In several videos posted on Pettiway's Facebook page, the 52-year-old rants about what he claims is city corruption.
"This is blight. They wanna give us a citation for what we doing on our property, but right now people from Baltimore and New York is buying up the city of Philadelphia under Mayor Nutter's plan," said Pettiway in a recorded video.
City officials said the owner of Unity General Contracting has been issued several violations for performing demolitions without a permit, once at 1701 Cayuga Street last April and Tuesday at 3020 West Gordon Street.
While being cited at the Cayuga Street property, which officials said was filled with asbestos, Pettiway was arrested for allegedly threatening an officer.
Court records show he pleaded guilty to one count of resisting arrest.
Authorities released surveillance images Sept. 19 of a person they wanted to identify in connection with this case.
Thanks to numerous tips, Pettiway was taken into custody Wednesday without incident, police said.
Pettiway is expected to make his first appearance in federal court Thursday.
The ATF offered a $5,000 reward for information leading to an arrest.
