Police: Fire victim resisted arrest at scene

MARION HEIGHTS — A man whose home was damaged by fire here Saturday morning has been charged in connection with his alleged conduct as firefighters tried to battle the blaze.
Michael F. Dallazia, 59, of 560 E. Melrose St., Marion Heights, was charged Saturday by Mount Carmel Township Patrolman David Stamets with resisting arrest, disorderly conduct and public drunkenness.
Upon responding to the fire shortly before 8 a.m., Stamets said he noticed smoke and fire coming from the roof and window of Dallazia’s home before spotting Dallazia sitting outside on the grass. Stamets said he then saw Dallazia go into his home through the basement and later located him with his dog sitting at a kitchen table drinking a beer.
As Dallazia was sitting at the table, water from the third floor was dripping through the ceiling around him and throughout the home, Stamets reported.
When Stamets asked Dallazia to exit the home until firefighters were done fighting the fire, Dallazia allegedly shouted a profanity at the officer and refused to leave despite being warned to do so several times. Stamets said Dallazia finally agreed to leave the home, but once outside, he began cursing as citizens and firefighters were walking around the scene.
Police said Dallazia continued yelling profanities and making threats upon being led to a police cruiser. Police had to use substantial force to handcuff Dallazia, Stamets said.
Dallazia was arraigned Saturday by Magisterial District Judge Hugh Jones and committed to Northumberland County Prison in Sunbury in lieu of $50,000 bail.