Pittsburgh Serial Arsonist Torched Old Restaurant, Church: Police

PITTSBURGH, PA — A Pittsburgh man is accused of recently setting fire to a former restaurant in Wilkins, a Church in Monroeville and several vehicles in multiple communities.

David Harknett, 41, has been charged with aggravated arson, criminal mischief, receiving stolen property and recklessly endangering another person.

According to Allegheny County police, Harknett was spotted by a witness at a nearby business during a fire early Thursday at the former Hooters restaurant on William Penn Highway. Harknett was taken into custody a short time later.

During the subsequent investigation by police and the county Fire Marshal's Office, it was determined that he allegedly was responsible for:

• A fire at Christ the Divine Shephard Parish on Azalea Drive in Monroeville on June 13.

• A vehicle fire in the 200 block of Lilac Drive in Monroeville on June 12.

• A vehicle fire and theft from a vehicle in the 200 block of Caryl Drive in Pleasant Hills on June 11.

• A vehicle fire and theft from a vehicle in the 4300 block of Clairton Boulevard in Brentwood on June 11.

• Theft from multiple vehicles at the Jefferson Hills Police Department on June 11.

Harknett was taken to the Allegheny County Jail pending preliminary arraignment, police said.