By KATHY MELLOTT
EBENSBURG — A Portage man admitted in Cambria County court Wednesday that he started a fire earlier this year that endangered the lives of three people.
He also admitted that he attempted to obstruct emergency services who were at the scene to battle the blaze.
Harry Breathard Carbaugh, 67, pleaded guilty to charges of arson, risking a catastrophe and obstructing emergency services stemming from the July 1 fire in the 600 block of Orchard Street, Portage – a 21/2-story residence described as a “mission home.”
Portage police allege Carbaugh stated the fire in the second-floor bedroom of one of a number of lodgers who stayed at the home. He apparently took the action following an argument with a resident about repayment of a debt.
Witnesses said they saw Carbaugh exiting the bedroom on the south side of the house where the blaze started.
Flames were then seen coming from the room, Assistant District Attorney Wayne Langerholc told Judge David Tulowitzki.
The blaze forced the owner of the house and two other residents to flee, Langerholc said.
Carbaugh then attempted a number of times to cross the police tape placed around the fire scene, prompting police to file the obstruction charge.
He will be sentenced
March 16 and could receive a lengthy jail term.
He also will be ordered to pay restitution of $60,000 to cover damage to the house as a result of the fire.
The defendant, who remains in jail in lieu of bond, appeared in court with a massive black and blue bruise on the right side of his forehead and a black eye. No reason was given for the bruises.
