December 24, 2025
Wayne County Man Accused of Arson in Own Home
A criminal complaint filed by the Pennsylvania State Police alleges that a Wayne County man intentionally set a house fire.
Pennsylvania State Police Trooper Jason Mills of the Fire Marshal Unit investigated the fire at 119 Lone Oak Drive in Paupack Township. The fire was reported on December 21, 2025, at approximately 1:36 p.m., when the Wayne County Communication Center received a 911 call, the affidavit states.
Firefighters from the Lakeville Fire Department, assisted by mutual aid companies, responded to the scene and extinguished the fire, according to the affidavit. The Pennsylvania State Police Fire Marshal Unit was called to determine the origin and cause of the fire, and Trooper Mills was assigned to the case.
Investigators obtained video surveillance footage from a Nest camera located at a residence across the street. The affidavit states that the footage shows Matthew Hawley, identified as the occupant of the home, exiting the residence at approximately 1:22 p.m., walking down the front porch steps, and entering a garage behind the home. About 30 seconds later, Hawley emerged holding a white container in his right hand and re-entered the residence through the front door.
According to the affidavit, at approximately 1:30 p.m., smoke and flames were seen venting from a window on the right side of the residence, followed moments later by fire in the center of the home. Trooper Mills noted that the sudden, forceful venting is consistent with the ignition of flammable liquid vapors and the use of an accelerant. The affidavit states that the fire quickly spread upward toward the roof.
The affidavit reports that banging noises and Hawley yelling were captured on the footage. He was later seen emerging from behind the left side of the residence, yelling at his dog to get off the porch. According to the affidavit, Hawley then picked up objects from the driveway and threw them at the front door before moving into the roadway, continuing to yell and make complaints about the government. By 1:34 p.m., the house was fully engulfed in flames. The affidavit also states that Hawley could be heard yelling and cursing at what appeared to be “phantom individuals” while continuing his complaints about the government.
Alleged arsonist Matthew Hawley looks on as firefighters battle blaze at his home.
Hawley did not call 911 to report the fire, the affidavit states; the initial call came from a third party. Fire department personnel reportedly requested police assistance after Hawley interfered with their suppression efforts.
Based on the scene examination, information obtained during the investigation, and interviews conducted, Trooper Mills concluded, according to the affidavit, that the fire originated inside the residence and was intentionally set when Hawley ignited a flammable liquid, causing rapid development and spread of the fire.
Matthew Hawley is charged with aggravated arson, arson with intent to destroy an unoccupied building, reckless burning or exploding, criminal mischief, failure to control or report dangerous fire, and disorderly conduct involving hazardous or physical behavior.
Court records currently list the case as inactive. Under Pennsylvania court procedures, cases may be designated inactive for a variety of administrative or procedural reasons. The specific reason for the inactive status in this case is not listed in the court record.