Leetsdale Police Blotter: Arson, Trains and an Automobile Pursuit

Leetsdale police recently charged a man for leaving an unattended fire on his front lawn where he planned to cook food.

Police said Brian Tarasi, 48, of Washington Street, was cited with arson and public drunkenness.

An officer on patrol at 4:48 a.m. Jan. 17 saw the fire burning in front of Tarasi’s home in the 300 block of Washington Street.

Police said Tarasi set two logs afire on a plastic tray and sat the tray on top of a pot. Police said Christmas lights were wrapped around the logs and the tray was melting, which the officer noticed. Mulch on a nearby sidewalk had also started to catch fire, police said.

Police said Tarasi came outside as the officer was checking the fire, and told the officer he planned to cook on the open flame. The officer ordered Tarasi to extinguish the fire.

Police said Tarasi was intoxicated. Another resident who had been sleeping at the home was awakened and asked to take Tarasi inside.

Police also responded to the following recent incidents:

Railroad crossing blocked

Police received several calls Monday afternoon about a Norfolk Southern train that was blocking the railroad crossing at the overpass and First Street. Police said the train had been idle for 20-30 minutes and that traffic was backed up in every direction when officers were called at 12:40 p.m.

The train conductor informed police that one of the engines blew and that the crew was waiting for a repair crew to respond.

The repair crew was able to transfer power to another engine and began moving the train. Because so many vehicles were waiting, the repair crew was asked to unhook the train and open the roadway immediately to alleviate the traffic congestion.

Police directed traffic until the congestion ended.

Mischief report

Police received a complaint at 8:15 p.m. Jan. 20 from a resident in the 100 block of Broad Street that her house had been egged. The resident opened her door but could not see anyone around, police said. Police searched the area for children who may have been responsible but didn’t find anyone.

Vehicle pursuit

Police assisted the Ambridge Police Department with a vehicle pursuit at 7:30 a.m. Jan. 18 on Route 65. Leetsdale police were able to box in the vehicle and ordered the driver, Chales Allen, 39, of Ambridge, to park the car. Police said Allen remained in the car with his hands on the steering wheel after he parked his vehicle. Officers opened the driver’s side door, pulled Allen out and took him to the ground, police said. Police said he tried to pull his arms away but officers were able to handcuff him. He was turned over to Ambridge police.