SHARE

Convicted Drug Dealer Arrested For Arson Near PA Church: Police

A felon convicted for drug dealing has been arrested for arson, Upper Chichester police announced on Thursday, Oct. 3.

Andre Lamont Armstrong, the suspected arsonist (left), and the car set on fire. 

Andre Lamont Armstrong, the suspected arsonist (left), and the car set on fire. 

Photo Credit: Lower Chichester PD

Andre Lamont Armstrong, 56, of Chester, was arrested on Monday, Sept. 23, according to court documents. 

Armstrong was wanted in connection to a "suspicious" vehicle fire in the 1600 block of Huddell Avenue around 2:10 a.m. on Friday, Sept. 13, police detailed in a release. 

In surveillance videos, police saw the suspect used an accelerant to ignite a vehicle, as Daily Voice previously reported. "Based on some of the evidence already collected, it is believed that the man may have parked in the parking lot of the Linwood Heights Church parking lot and walked to the area where he committed this act," the police wrote in the initial release. 

Lower Chichester Township Police Department, as well as the Delaware County Criminal Investigation Department Detectives were able to obtain the information which, with the assistance of Chester City Police Officers, led them to the identity Armstrong as the suspected arsonist. 

  • Armstrong was charged with the following:
  • Misdemeanor Recklessly Endangering Another Person.
  • Felon Arson-Intent Destroy Unoccupied Building. 

Felon Reckless Burning or Exploding - places property having value that exceeds $5000 or automobile, place (two counts).

He has been held in the Delaware County Prison on $100,000 in bail, set by Judge Sloan Walker at his preliminary arraignment at 9:55 a.m. on Tuesday, Sept. 24 according to his latest court docket. 

Armstrong previously served 203 days in prison of a felon drug conviction in 2015 as part of a negotiated plea deal, court records show. 

His preliminary hearing for the arson is set before Judge David R. Griffin at 9 a.m on Thursday, Oct. 10, as detailed in his most recent docket. 

to follow Daily Voice Oley and receive free news updates.

SCROLL TO NEXT ARTICLE