(WJET/WFXP)– Several charges against an Erie man, including attempted homicide and arson, have been dismissed after he was accused of intentionally flicking a cigarette that investigators said started a house fire in the City of Erie while eight people were inside.
Online court documents show 46-year-old Carlos Mathis Sr. appeared for his preliminary hearing on Wednesday before Magisterial District Judge Alison Scarpetti, where eight counts each of aggravated assault, aggravated arson and arson, among others, were dismissed.
Intentionally flicked cigarette caused 4th St. house fire, man charged: EPD
In total, 27 counts were dismissed against Mathis Sr., though documents show other charges like felony causing a catastrophe, reckless burning, criminal mischief and reckless endangerment were all held for court.
Mathis Sr. was charged on August 7 after Erie police said the cigarette he allegedly admitted to flicking at a home in the 600 block of West 4th Street on July 31 after “creeping” around it led to a devastating house fire…