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Arsonist Locks Family In Their Lancaster Home, Police Say

A 33-year-old man has been arrested in connection with a house fire that had a family trapped in their Lancaster home, according to local police.

Mameleto Gonzalez.

Mameleto Gonzalez.

Photo Credit: Lancaster PD

Mamelto Gonzalez, 33, has been charged with arson for allegedly setting fire to a home in the 700 block of Almanac Avenue Thursday night.

A woman told police Gonzalez lit a couch on fire, punched holes in the walls and damaged several items of furniture.

The woman was able to extinguish the fire, locked Gonzalez outside, and locked herself and her three children in a bedroom on the second floor until police arrived.

The woman and children were treated at the scene and neighbors provided them with assistance.

In addition to his arson charge, Gonzalez is also charged with three counts of endangering the welfare of a child, recklessly endangering another person and criminal mischief.

Gonzalez has a history of heavy drinking, assault and harassment according to court documents.

He is currently being held in Lancaster County Prison in lieu of bail.

His preliminary hearing is pending.

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