BRADFORD, PA – The City of Bradford Police Department announces the arrest of Christopher James Colts following an extensive investigation into a series of fires, thefts, and related criminal activity occurring during the overnight hours of October 3–4, 2026, in the City of Bradford and on property associated with the University of Pittsburgh at Bradford.

Colts has been charged with multiple offenses, including Arson – Danger of Death or Bodily Injury, Arson – Reckless Placing of Another Person in Danger, Arson – Reckless Placing an Inhabited Building or Occupied Structure in Danger of Damage or Destruction, Arson – Reckless Placing of Property in Danger of Damage or Destruction, Risking Catastrophe, Recklessly Endangering Another Person, Access Device Fraud, Identity Theft, and Theft by Unlawful Taking.

According to the criminal complaint, the investigation began after Bradford City Police and City of Bradford Fire Department personnel responded at approximately 2:13 a.m. on October 4, 2026, to Moonan’s Car Wash, 223 North Onofrio Street, for a structure fire involving a shed adjacent to residential properties.

Investigators allege that the fire was intentionally set and that the resulting fire placed nearby residences and occupants at risk. The criminal complaint alleges that an occupant of a neighboring residence was asleep at the time of the fire. The investigation further alleges that the fire spread beyond the original structure and damaged additional property.

During the same general time period, investigators identified additional suspicious fire-related activity at the University of Pittsburgh at Bradford Sports Complex, including damage in the area of the softball field and loss of a tractor. Because portions of the investigation occurred on University property, the University of Pittsburgh at Bradford Police Department participated in the investigation and co-signed the criminal charges filed in this case.

The investigation expanded significantly as officers began reviewing surveillance video from multiple locations, conducting interviews, examining physical evidence, and reconstructing Colts’ alleged movements during the overnight hours.

According to the affidavit of probable cause, surveillance evidence allegedly showed an individual in the vicinity of Moonan’s Car Wash shortly before the fire and subsequently in other areas connected to the investigation. Investigators also reviewed surveillance footage from the University of Pittsburgh at Bradford and other locations while working to establish a timeline of events.

The investigation further revealed that several vehicles in the area had allegedly been entered and property stolen. Investigators allege that stolen credit and debit cards were subsequently used or attempted to be used at several businesses and financial institutions. Additional property was also allegedly stolen from the University of Pittsburgh at Bradford Sports Complex.

Through the review of surveillance footage, witness interviews, physical evidence, financial transaction information, and other investigative methods, officers developed evidence identifying Colts as the alleged individual involved.

At the time of these incidents, Colts was homeless, which added additional challenges to determining his location and reconstructing his movements during the period under investigation.

The City of Bradford Police Department considers the alleged conduct in this case particularly serious because of the danger intentionally set fires can present not only to property, but to sleeping residents, responding firefighters, police officers, and the community as a whole.

This investigation required officers to connect numerous events occurring at different locations and involving different victims over a relatively short period of time. What initially presented as separate incidents developed into what investigators believe was a connected series of criminal acts involving fires, thefts, stolen financial information, and property damage.

The investigation remains active and ongoing.

Bradford Police are currently reviewing other fires and suspicious incidents occurring during the same general time period to determine whether they may be connected to Colts. No determination has yet been made regarding his involvement in those additional incidents, and additional charges may be filed if supported by the evidence developed during the continuing investigation.

Colts was taken into custody and is currently being held in the McKean County Jail in connection with the charges filed in this investigation. Magistrate David Engman arraigned Colts and remanded him to jail on 1 million dollars bail. Preliminary hearings are set in those matters. 

The City of Bradford Police Department would like to recognize the substantial amount of investigative work performed by the officers involved in this case. Officers worked through numerous crime scenes, surveillance recordings, interviews, financial transactions, evidence, and investigative leads to establish a timeline and connect incidents that initially appeared to be separate events.

“The alleged conduct in this case represented a serious threat to our community. Setting fires near occupied residences creates an obvious potential for catastrophic consequences, and our officers understood the importance of identifying the person responsible as quickly as possible. This investigation required our officers to piece together a large amount of information from multiple locations and multiple incidents. I am extremely appreciative of the persistence and hard work of the City of Bradford officers who worked this case and continued following the evidence until these incidents could be connected.”

The City of Bradford Police Department also extends its appreciation to the University of Pittsburgh at Bradford Campus Police Department, whose officers worked jointly with Bradford Police on the portion of the investigation occurring on University property and co-signed the charges in this case.

The Department additionally thanks the Pennsylvania State Police Fire Investigation Unit and Bradford Township Police Department for their assistance during the investigation.

The City of Bradford Fire Department and Bradford Township Fire Department are also recognized for their response, fire suppression efforts, and assistance associated with the fire investigations. The work of responding firefighters was critical to protecting surrounding property and residents and preserving the scenes for subsequent investigation.

POLICE SEEK ADDITIONAL INFORMATION AND VIDEO

Because this investigation remains ongoing, Bradford Police are asking residents and businesses to review any available exterior surveillance, doorbell-camera, or security video from the overnight hours of October 3 into October 4, 2026.

Police are particularly interested in video or information showing Christopher Colts wearing a yellow-and-black jacket and walking or lingering around residences, vehicles, businesses, or other property during that time period.

Anyone who observed Colts, had property entered or disturbed, experienced suspicious activity, or possesses surveillance video that may assist investigators is asked to contact the City of Bradford Police Department at 814-887-4911.

Even information that may initially appear insignificant could assist investigators in establishing Colts’ movements and determining whether additional incidents are connected to this investigation.

This remains an active investigation. Additional charges may be filed as warranted by the evidence.

All criminal charges are allegations. Christopher James Colts is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty in a court of law.

Chief Michael P. Ward
City of Bradford Police Department
Bradford, Pennsylvania