STORY FROM by Sarah Burns
Tue, September 2nd 2025 at 11:37 AM
LANCASTER COUNTY, Pa. (WHP CBS 21) — A man in Lancaster County is facing charges after reportedly setting fire to a home in New Holland Tuesday morning while two officers were inside.
According to an affidavit, a victim reported to police that Donald Stoner, 74, said "if you leave me again, I will kill you," and on an incident on August 29, pushed her and pulled her hair.
The victim left the home after that incident, to which Stoner said if she returned to the home, located in the 500 block of Spring Hollow Drive, she would be safe, but if she did not he would find her and kill her and then himself, according to court docs.
On September 1, Stoner allegedly purchased 10 gallons of gasoline and poured the substance through the home.
On September 2, according to an affidavit, two officers attempted to serve an involuntary commitment warrant on Stoner, and when they entered the home, he set fire to the building.
Officers were able to exit the home, and evacuated surrounding residences, according to an affidavit.
According to fire officials, the blaze broke out around 2:30 a.m.
READ MORE | Neighbors evacuated after house fire breaks out in New Holland; gas line reportedly cut
Police said they saw Stoner walking inside the home during the fire, and he refused to come out.
Stoner is now facing multiple charges, including making terroristic threats with intent to terrorize another, harassment, arson, causing catastrophe, and recklessly endangering another person.