A Pennsylvania man is wanted after allegedly setting fires in his own home in an attempt to “kill spiders,” sparking a blaze that quickly spread to neighboring homes.
According to the Pocono Mountain Regional Police, on Monday, Feb. 23, 2026, officers responded to Uncus Lane in Poconos Pines after receiving reports of a fire.
When officers arrived on the scene, police said they found the fire had started in one townhome and spread to three other connected townhomes.
Police said officers spoke with a witness who claimed that they saw the owner of one of the townhomes, Sean McDermott, 36, setting fires within his home throughout the day. McDermott had reportedly stated that he “needed to kill the spiders within the residence.”
McDermott had a smoldering fire on the floor and then placed a love seat on top of it, according to investigators. The witness claims he kept putting out the fires, while McDermott kept lighting them.
The witness added that he and McDermott left the home and went to different locations. When they both
arrived back, they found the townhome engulfed in flames.
Police shared that McDermott reportedly fled the scene in a U-Haul truck.
Tobyhanna Township Volunteer Fire Company shared photos of the scene and said that it took crews eight hours to contain the fire. They battled high winds, icy conditions, and frigid temperatures.
McDermott is now wanted by police and faces charges of arson, aggravated arson, causing or risking a catastrophe, criminal mischief, and recklessly endangering another person.
Anyone with information on his whereabouts is urged to call 911 or the Pocono Mountain Regional Police.
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