In a shocking act of violence, a Michigan man was arrested for driving over 700 miles to Pennsylvania to set fire to a home occupied by six people. The incident left the family devastated, with their home destroyed and their two dogs tragically killed. Authorities are still investigating the exact motive behind the attack, which appears to stem from an online relationship.
The Arson Incident: A Narrow Escape for the Family
On an early morning in Bensalem, Pennsylvania, the Zalenski family narrowly escaped a fire that engulfed their home. The mother, Stacy Zalenski, heard unusual noises and discovered the fire. Her quick actions helped save her family, though some members had to jump from second-story windows to survive.
Bensalem Public Safety Director William McVey called the escape a “miracle” and credited Stacy for her bravery. Unfortunately, the family’s two dogs, Trey and Jett, could not escape and died in the fire.
The Investigation: From a Grainy Image to an Arrest
Fire and police investigators determined the fire was intentionally set. Their only lead was a grainy surveillance image of a black sedan. Footage showed the suspect arriving at the house around 5 a.m., walking to the back, and staying there for over ten minutes. Shortly after he fled, an explosion lit up the night as the house caught fire.
Two days later, authorities traced the sedan to 21-year-old Harrison Jones of Rockford, Michigan. When arrested, Jones had visible burns on his arm, further linking him to the crime.
The Motive: Online Relationship Jealousy
Police confirmed that Jones was the ex-boyfriend of a Michigan woman who had been in an online relationship with a man living in the targeted house. Investigators revealed that Jones was originally supposed to drive his ex-girlfriend to Pennsylvania to meet the man she had been communicating with. However, he made the trip alone, allegedly with “murderous intentions.”
“He drove over 730 miles, 11 hours, to do what he did and then drove directly back home,” McVey said during a press conference.
Legal Consequences and Charges
Jones faces multiple charges, including:
- Six counts of attempted homicide
- Arson and related offenses
He is currently awaiting extradition to Pennsylvania, where he will stand trial.
The Family’s Loss: A Community Rallies to Help
The Zalenski family lost everything in the fire. A GoFundMe page set up for the family described their heartbreak, highlighting their past struggles, including Stacy’s battle with cancer. The family member who started the fundraiser wrote:
“They are a gracious, loving, caring, generous family, and nobody deserves to go through everything that they have been through.”
In addition to the GoFundMe, the Philadelphia Animal Welfare Society (PAWS) is honoring Trey and Jett by dedicating a kennel plaque to the dogs’ memory.
This tragic incident serves as a grim reminder of the dangers of online conflicts and how unchecked emotions can lead to devastating actions. While the Zalenski family begins the painful process of rebuilding their lives, authorities are determined to ensure that Harrison Jones is held accountable for his actions.
