Cops: Molotov cocktail used to start fires

PITTSBURGH (AP) — A western Pennsylvania teenager is facing attempted homicide and arson charges after police say he used a Molotov cocktail and a plumber’s torch to start two fires.

Allegheny County police say 19-year-old Sean Hallam acknowledged setting both fires in Allegheny County.

The first fire began at a duplex in Harrison in the early morning hours of April 9 and caused $100,000 in damage. Investigators say they found evidence that a Molotov cocktail was used to ignite the blaze.

Seven people inside were sleeping, but managed to escape.

The second fire occurred the next day about two blocks away from the first one. Detectives found a plumber’s torch on a window at that blaze.