MAN IN CUSTODY IN RELATION TO ARSON FIRE AT THE HOMETOWN WAL-MART

Arson Suspect in Custody, Police Station, Rush Township, 2-18-2014 (2) - Copy — Rush Township Police officers Adam Sinton, left, and Sgt. Duane Frederick transport Jonathan Maldonado, 20, to the Schuylkill County Prison last night.

Rush Township Police have arrested a 20-year old Hazleton man in connection with an arson fire on Feb. 18, 2014 inside the Wal-Mart Supercenter in Hometown.
Jonathan Maldonado was arraigned before Judge Ferrier last night with numerous felony charges in relation to the fire and is lodged in the Schuylkill County Prison on $50,000 straight cash bail.
“At this time, Maldonado is the only person facing charges,” said Sgt. Duane Frederick, Rush Township Police. He added that Maldonado admitted to starting the fire by lighting a can of Silly String and leaving it on a shelf in the store.
The fire forced the evacuation of its employees and customers around 2:30 AM.
The entire store was closed until 3 PM yesterday; with the lawn and garden section still closed.
Click HERE to view yesterday’s TamaquaArea.com’s story about the fire.