Homeless arsonist stopped by State College public works employee

State College, Pa. — A public works employee who put a fire out helped identify a homeless man accused of arson in State College.

Benjamin Randolph Hamby, 41, of State College allegedly set a large garbage pile on fire near the intersection of East Calder Way and Sowers Street. The July 15 blaze was put out by the employee just before 5 a.m. after he spotted Hamby setting the fire, according to State College Police Officer Victoria Stewart.

As the employee continued their street sweeping route, they spotted Hamby setting a second fire in the same sport, Stewart said. Unable to contain the blaze, the employee called the Alpha Fire Department, which put the fire out.

Officers stopped Hamby, who matched the description given by the witness, walking on East Calder Way, according to Stewart. Investigators identified Hamby by his driver’s license. The witness confirmed Hamby was the one who started the fire, Stewart added.

Hamby is being charged with arson endangering property, risking catastrophe, dangerous burning, and criminal mischief. Hamby is being held at the Centre County Prison in lieu of $80,000 monetary bail. A preliminary hearing with Judge Donald Hahn is set for the end of the month.

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