JOHNSON CITY, N.Y. — A Johnson City man has been arrested following a house fire early Wednesday morning.
Police say 67-year-old Lee Parker faces multiple charges, including arson in the fourth degree and three counts of criminal possession of a weapon in the second degree.
Emergency crews responded around 6:53 a.m. to a fire at a vacant home on Pleasant Avenue. Firefighters conducted a search of the building and located the fire on the second floor, bringing it under control quickly.
Officers in the area encountered Parker walking near the scene. During the investigation, police say a loaded 9mm ghost gun was found in his coat pocket.
Authorities say Parker later admitted to accidentally starting the fire while squatting inside the vacant home. Investigators say he had lit candles in a second-floor bathroom to stay warm.
Parker showed signs of smoke inhalation and was taken to UHS Wilson Medical Center for treatment before being returned to police custody.
He remains in custody and is expected to be arraigned on the charges.
