Midway Borough police, contracted by Smith Township, responded to a violent domestic dispute at 111 S. Main St. shortly before 10:30 p.m. on Sunday. The dispute involved a man and a woman, and officers noted the scene was “violent and loud.” The homeowner, Michael Patrick Higgins Sr., told officers that nothing had occurred and that the other occupants had left in a vehicle.
Fire erupts minutes later
Less than two hours after the initial call, officers and Midway volunteer firefighters were dispatched back to the same address after a fire broke out. When they arrived, the structure was engulfed in flames. Firefighters forced open the front door, rescuing a dog that escaped unharmed. No people were inside the house, and no injuries were reported, though the building suffered extensive damage, including broken windows and heavy soot on the sills and door.
Allegations of arson
A woman who spoke with police later claimed that Higgins intentionally set the fire and fled the scene. Investigators issued a bulletin requesting other agencies to be on the lookout for Higgins. He was later spotted by Mt. Pleasant Township police walking on the Panhandle Trail near Noblestown Road and taken into custody.
Additional threats
Police also disclosed that earlier in the evening Higgins sent a text message to his juvenile stepson threatening to kill him while he slept. The text message is part of the evidence supporting the arson allegation.
Charges and court appearance
Higgins, 34, was charged with one felony count of causing a catastrophe, as well as misdemeanor charges of terroristic threats, marijuana possession, and possession of drug paraphernalia. He appeared before District Judge Gary Havelka, who set a cash bond of $125,000. Higgins remains in the Washington County jail pending a preliminary hearing scheduled for September 3 at 9:15 a.m.
Community response
The incident has raised concerns among Midway residents about domestic violence and property safety. Local law‑enforcement agencies emphasized the importance of reporting threats and disturbances promptly, and they urged anyone with information about similar incidents to contact authorities.
Original reporting: Herald-Standard – latest news for Uniontown, Pennsylvania — read the source article.
