A Trenton man has admitted to setting fire to belongings in a home with people inside including two of his children.
But Ryan Jackel will not face four felony arson charges after the Bucks County District Attorney’s Office dropped them as part of a negotiated plea agreement.
At a Bucks County court appearance Oct 21, Jackel, 33, entered guilty pleas to one felony charge of reckless burning or exploding and misdemeanor charges of reckless endangering, endangering the welfare of children and criminal mischief in the May 22 incident.
Common Pleas Court Judge Matthew Weintraub accepted the plea and deferred sentencing until later this month.
Jackel, who was initially denied bail, remains incarcerated in Bucks County Correctional Center in lieu of $50,000
bail.
Falls Township police allege an employee at a Wawa off Old Bristol Pike reported Jackel entered the store shortly before midnight and picked up a merchandise rack and threw it on the floor before going outside and throwing items at the building.
Police located Jackel a half mile away from the store, asleep inside a vehicle parked outside a home in the 7000 block of Hewson Drive. He had injuries on his hands and feet, police said.
When police questioned him, Jackel allegedly admitted to the Wawa incident and said he was upset and felt suicidal.
Police alleged they noticed blood stains on the front door of the home, which belonged to Jackel’s estranged wife.
Inside the home, officers allegedly found blood on the living room floor, broken flooring, a kitchen table split in half with a fire extinguisher on top of it.
A pile of items found in the hall appeared to be burned, police said.
Jackel’s girlfriend allegedly saw him damage items and set fire to another pile of belongings while people were inside including his children.
Crime and Courts Reporter Jo Ciavaglia can be reached at jciavaglia@gannett.com
This article originally appeared on Bucks County Courier Times: Man admits to setting fire to Falls home with his kids, others inside
