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Erie Truck Fire Arsonist Sentenced to 15 Years in Prison

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  Published in House and Home on Tuesday, December 2nd 2025 at 14:41 GMT by Erie Times-News

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Arson Conviction in Erie: A 2024 Truck Fire Leads to State‑Prison Sentence

A 32‑year‑old Erie resident was handed a lengthy prison term on Tuesday for setting fire to a semi‑truck and a nearby residential complex last year. The court’s decision, announced at the Erie County Courthouse, follows a two‑month investigation that culminated in a guilty plea and a sentencing hearing that drew local officials, business owners, and victims’ families to the courtroom.

The Incident

On the night of October 18, 2024, a large fire erupted in the parking lot of a freight‑handling facility on South 7th Street in downtown Erie. Witnesses reported a sudden, bright explosion that quickly engulfed a 53‑foot tractor‑tanker carrying industrial-grade equipment. By the time firefighters arrived, the vehicle had been reduced to a smoldering heap of twisted metal and charred steel.

The blaze did not stay confined to the truck. Heat radiated outward, igniting the metal siding of a three‑story apartment complex across the street. Residents of the damaged building were forced to evacuate, and several were injured by smoke inhalation. The fire also broke out in a neighboring single‑family home that had been using the truck’s trailer as a temporary storage unit, causing extensive structural damage and rendering the house uninhabitable.

The total cost of the fire was estimated at $2.5 million—$1.8 million in property damage and $700,000 in firefighting and rescue operations. Local insurance adjusters have already begun filing claims, and the incident has sparked a debate about fire safety protocols for large vehicles parked in urban settings.

Arrest and Investigation

The Erie Police Department, with the assistance of the Erie County Sheriff’s Office, apprehended David “Dave” Thompson—a 32‑year‑old resident of the West Erie neighborhood—at his home the day after the fire. Thompson had no prior criminal record, but investigators discovered a black‑inked note on his refrigerator that read, “No one can stop this,” and several flammable liquids in his garage.

Using a combination of ballistic evidence, DNA testing, and CCTV footage, detectives linked Thompson to the ignition device found at the truck’s engine compartment. The device was a homemade incendiary that used a mixture of gasoline and an accelerant. The device was traced back to a purchase at a local hardware store on March 5, 2024—a month before the fire.

“Thompson had access to the truck because he was a long‑time employee of the freight company, but he also had a personal grudge against the owner, who had recently denied him a promotion,” said Detective Maria Ruiz during the preliminary hearing. “He took his anger out on the vehicle, and the fire was a deliberate act of arson.”

Charges and Plea

Thompson was formally charged with aggravated arson, destruction of property, and criminal damage. He also faced charges of felony arson with intent to kill or endanger life, though the prosecutors did not pursue the maximum penalty because no deaths resulted from the incident.

On November 20, 2024, Thompson entered a guilty plea in the Erie County Superior Court, citing remorse and a desire to “pay for the mistakes I made.” The plea was accepted, and the court set a sentencing date for December 2, 2025—exactly one year after the fire.

The defense highlighted Thompson’s lack of prior offenses, arguing for a lighter sentence. “He was a single father,” said Defense Attorney Mark Ellison. “He did this because he was desperate.”

The Sentencing Hearing

The sentencing hearing took place in the Second Judicial District of Erie County. Judge Lisa Brown opened the session by stating that the court’s primary concern was “the safety of the community and the preservation of trust in our public institutions.”

Victim statements

Two homeowners whose properties were severely damaged delivered moving statements. Sarah Mitchell, who lost her home’s kitchen, said, “We didn’t know how to protect ourselves from such a thing. We’re still dealing with the emotional trauma.” She urged the court to send a strong message that arson would not be tolerated.

Similarly, Carlos Ramirez, a resident of the apartment building that burned, noted the “long road to recovery” for his neighbors. He highlighted how the fire disrupted essential services, forcing residents to relocate for months.

Prosecutor’s remarks

County Attorney Jessica Lee recounted the severity of the damage: “The cost to the community was immense. The fire destroyed a valuable piece of freight infrastructure, and it threatened the safety of dozens of people. We cannot allow this kind of recklessness to go unchecked.”

Judge’s decision

After considering the plea, the evidence, and the testimonies, Judge Brown sentenced Thompson to 15 years in the Erie Correctional Institution. The sentence was accompanied by a probationary period of five years following his release, during which Thompson would be required to complete community service, attend counseling, and remain in contact with the parole office.

She added a mandatory restitution order for Thompson to pay the freight company and homeowners $1.8 million in property damages. “The restitution will be paid in full before he can ever be considered for parole,” the judge said.

Community Impact

The arson case has sparked broader discussions about fire safety for commercial vehicles and residential proximity. Local business owners have called for stricter regulations regarding the storage of large trucks and hazardous materials in the city. “We need better oversight and stronger penalties for those who violate safety codes,” said Thomas Nguyen, president of the Erie Business Association.

The city council has since scheduled a public hearing to consider a new ordinance that would require mandatory fire suppression systems on all freight trucks parked in commercial zones. The ordinance, if passed, would also impose heavier fines for non‑compliance.

Legal and Social Ramifications

While the conviction serves as a stern warning, it also raises questions about rehabilitation and restorative justice. Thompson’s attorney has suggested that part of his rehabilitation plan should include outreach to at‑risk youth, especially those who might view arson as a path to expressing frustration.

The case has already become a reference point in discussions about the need for mental health resources in Erie. Several local NGOs have pledged to collaborate with the court to provide counseling and support services to individuals who might be susceptible to criminal activity after experiencing workplace or financial stress.

Conclusion

David Thompson’s 15‑year sentence underscores the seriousness with which Erie and the state of Pennsylvania view arson and its far‑reaching effects. The tragedy of 2024 left not only a destroyed truck and damaged homes but also a community scarred by loss, displacement, and a sense of vulnerability. The court’s decision aims to address those harms by holding the perpetrator accountable, compensating victims, and signaling a commitment to public safety.

As Erie moves forward, the fire will serve as a catalyst for stronger safety measures, improved mental‑health support, and a collective effort to prevent such destructive acts from occurring again. The case reminds us that while the law can punish, the community must also heal—an endeavor that will take years, but is essential for a resilient, safe Erie.