Michigan man drives 700 miles to Pennsylvania to set fire to ex-girlfriends online love interest's home

A Michigan man has been arrested after allegedly driving more than 700 miles to Pennsylvania to set fire to the home of a man who had been communicating with his ex-girlfriend online. According to the Bensalem Police Department, 21-year-old Harrison Jones of Rockford, Michigan, set fire to the residence, where six people were inside at the time.

While the family managed to escape, their two dogs, Trey and Jett, tragically died in the blaze.

“It’s a miracle they all survived,” Bensalem Public Safety Director William McVey stated, praising the mother of the household for her quick actions that saved her family. Officials say the victims had to jump from second-story windows to escape as flames engulfed their home.

Surveillance footage captured a black sedan pulling up around 5 a.m., with a suspect seen approaching the back of the house before fleeing moments before an explosion ignited the fire.

Two days after the incident, authorities traced the vehicle back to Jones, leading to his arrest. Investigators noted that Jones had visible burns on his arm at the time of his apprehension. According to court documents, Jones was initially supposed to drive his ex-girlfriend to meet the Bensalem man at a hotel but instead took it upon himself to embark on what officials described as a trip with "murderous intentions." “He drove over 730 miles, 11 hours, to do what he did and then drove directly back home,” McVey stated.

Jones now faces multiple charges, including six counts of attempted homicide, arson, and related offenses. He is awaiting extradition to Pennsylvania. The victims—identified as Andrew and Stacy Zalenski, their two children Alex and Ava, and Stacy’s parents, Joe and Karen Wendowski—lost everything in the fire.

“This family suffered such inconceivable loss. This defendant’s actions are incomprehensible, and he will be held accountable,” Bucks County District Attorney Jennifer Schorn told reporters.

The case has also sparked widespread reactions online. One user on X, remarked, “That’s at least 11-12 hours of driving (one way) to come to your senses and think, ‘Hey maybe this is not such a good idea’!”