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An 83-year-old man pleaded guilty to an attempted arson charge for attempting to blow up his Orchard Island home in October.
Phillip Brand appeared Monday before visiting Logan County Common Pleas Judge Mark S. O’Connor and admitted the charge.
On Oct. 11, Washington Township Police Chief Rick Core and Vectren employees responded to a report of a strong odor of gas on Orchard Island and eventually tracked the source of the gas to 8935 Chestnut Street, Lot 42.
Mr. Brand was not at home; so firefighters with the Indian Joint Fire District were called to force entry and began ventilating the home to disperse heavy concentrations of natural gas.
Firefighters discovered the gas line to the furnace had been deliberately disconnected, the thermostat turned up in an apparent attempt to draw gas into the home, and a burner on the stove was left on.
A search began for Mr. Brand, and during a conversation with family members, the police chief learned the suspect, who suffers from mental disabilities related to his age, had made a similar attempt in the past.
Mr. Brand was located early the following day near the home and had a handgun in his possession. He was taken into custody at the time without further incident.
He will be sentenced on the March 20.
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