Sep 14, 2015 1 min read

A Chartiers Township man was in Washington County jail on $100,000 bond Monday after allegedly attempting to set his 1988 Oldsmobile Cutlass Supreme Classic on fire following an argument with a woman he lives with.

Roger Lee Kelley, 52, of 274 Castle Road, was charged Sunday with arson and risking catastrophe after Chartiers Township police were called to his residence shortly after midnight.

Denise Knotts, who also lives at the Castle Road address, said Kelley was intoxicated and preparing to light rolled-up paper towels to set the vehicle on fire. Knotts told police the vehicle was parked next to the home.

When police arrived, they said they found Knotts outside and noticed a strong odor of kerosene. Kelley was found inside the home and told officers he was having trouble with his family over his excessive drinking, according to court documents. At one point, Kelley told Knotts, “I’ll show you how much that car means to me,” police said.

Kelley admitted to pouring kerosene on the ground near the car, according to police.

Chartiers Township Fire Department responded to rinse away the kerosene.

Kelley was arraigned before District Judge Ethan Ward. A preliminary hearing was set for Sept. 23.