Michigan man drives over 700 miles, sets fire to home of man who communicated with his ex: officials

A harrowing and deeply disturbing incident unfolded in Bensalem, Pennsylvania, when a Michigan man allegedly drove over 700 miles to set fire to a home where six people were sleeping, including two young children and their grandparents. The suspect, identified as 21-year-old Harrison Jones of Rockford, Michigan, was taken into custody after investigators linked him to the arson attack. The fire, which was intentionally set, resulted in the hospitalization of all six family members, though miraculously, they survived thanks to the quick actions of the mother, who alerted her family and helped them escape. Tragically, the family’s two dogs, Trey and Jett, perished in the flames. The horrific act of violence has left the community in shock, with authorities describing it as a premeditated and malicious crime fueled by jealousy.

The Bensalem Police Department and local fire rescue units launched an investigation into the fire, which occurred in the early hours of the morning. Surveillance footage from a neighbor’s camera captured a black sedan pulling up to the home around 5 a.m. A suspect, later identified as Jones, was seen exiting the vehicle, walking toward the back of the house, and lingering for over 10 minutes before fleeing the scene. Just 30 seconds after his departure, the house erupted in flames, causing an explosion that destroyed the family’s home. Investigators worked tirelessly to identify the suspect, tracing the vehicle back to Jones two days after the fire. He was subsequently arrested, and authorities noted that he had apparent burns on his arm, suggesting he may have injured himself during the incident.

The motive behind the arson appears to stem from a tangled web of online relationships and jealousy. Jones is reportedly the ex-boyfriend of a Michigan woman who had been in an online relationship with a male resident of the Bensalem home since 2023. According to court documents, Jones was aware of the relationship and had even been scheduled to drive his ex-girlfriend to meet the man in Bensalem at a local hotel. However, instead of fulfilling that plan, Jones allegedly harbored “murderous intentions” and chose to act on his anger. Bensalem Public Safety Director William McVey described the suspect’s actions as a painstaking and calculated attack, noting that Jones drove over 730 miles—a journey of nearly 11 hours—specifically to commit the crime before returning home.

The victims of the fire, identified as the Zalenski family, have endured immense hardship. The family, which includes parents Andrew and Stacy Zalenski, their two children, Alex and Ava, and Stacy’s parents, Joe and Karen Wendowski, lost everything in the blaze. Stacy, who has been battling cancer for years, risked her life to save her family. She heard suspicious noises, discovered the fire, and alerted her loved ones, but she was forced to jump from a second-story window to escape the flames. The family’s two dogs, Trey and Jett, were unable to escape and died in the fire. A GoFundMe page has been established to support the family, describing their ordeal as a “worst-case nightmare” and highlighting their resilience in the face of tragedy. The page also notes that the family has faced significant challenges in recent years, including Stacy’s prolonged battle with cancer, making their current situation even more heart-wrenching.

The incident has sparked widespread outrage and concern, with local authorities vowing to hold Jones accountable for his actions. He faces six counts of attempted homicide, arson, and related offenses. Bucks County District Attorney Jennifer Schorn called the attack “incomprehensible,” emphasizing the severity of the loss suffered by the Zalenski family. Jones is currently in custody and awaits extradition to Pennsylvania, where he will face trial for the crimes. The case serves as a stark reminder of the dangers of obsession and the devastating consequences of acts of violence driven by jealousy.

In the aftermath of the tragedy, the community has rallied around the Zalenski family, offering support through fundraisers and tributes. A separate fundraiser has been started with the Philadelphia Animal Welfare Society (PAWS) to honor the memory of Trey and Jett, the family’s beloved dogs. PAWS plans to dedicate a plaque to the dogs, recognizing their role as cherished family members. The outpouring of support underscores the resilience and compassion of the community, even in the face of such senseless violence. As the Zalenski family rebuilds their lives, their story serves as a powerful reminder of the importance of hope, strength, and the unwavering support of loved ones and strangers alike.