Abington PD rescue man from burning apartment, make arson arrest

The Abington Police Department arrested Steve Swift for starting a fire at the 1700 block of Old York Road last July 12 at 12:07 AM. Police claim he set the fire after an altercation with his roommate. Swift has been charged with attempted murder, arson, and related offenses.

According to the report posted on the police department’s website, they and Abington Fire Company were dispatched to the apartment for a fire alarm activation. While responding to the call, the officers were advised that a resident had just called 9-1-1 stating that his apartment was on fire and he was trapped in his room.

The first responding officer saw flames in the hallway directly outside of a bedroom, where the man was screaming for help. The officer maneuvered through the flames and was able to assist the trapped resident and lead him to safety, while another officer used a fire extinguisher to battle the flames.

The Abington Fire Company shortly after and extinguished flame. Fortunately, no injuries were sustained by the victim.

An investigation by the Abington Police Department and the Abington Fire Marshal concluded that the fire had been intentionally set by Stephen Swift.

Swift, who was the victim’s roommate, had been intoxicated and became involved in an altercation with the victim. After telling the victim that he was going to kill him, Swift lit the fire and fled from the apartment.

Swift was arrested later that morning after he returned to the scene of the crime. He was charged with attempted murder, arson, and related offenses. Swift was transported to Montgomery County Prison after failing to post $500,000 cash bail.