Cops: Suspect Sets Fires at Homeless Encampment Cause He Wanted Meth

Updated September 27, 2022

All charges filed against Mr Robertson were dismissed at a preliminary hearing held on September 13. No reason for the charges being dismissed was made available.

Original Story is Below

A Levittown man has been charged with arson, risking catastrophe, two counts of reckless endangerment for setting fires at a homeless camp Tuesday. 

Michael J. Robertson, 44 was arraigned by District Court Judge Frank W. Peranteau Sr. this afternoon accused of setting a fire’s because he wanted to “get meth,” a criminal complaint filed by Bristol Borough Police says. 

According to the probable cause, Police were dispatched to the 2100 block of Hunter Road at 9:30 this morning. Lumberman Associates employees directed investigators to the rear of the property.

Police observed fire and smoke coming from the back of the property, directly behind the lumber yard, court records show. 

Detective Bill Davis, said he could hear arguing coming from a wooded area where a homeless encampment exists as fire personnel directed him to the fence line, court records show. Davis moved closer, observed several homeless people, one of which was Robertson, the criminal complaint says. 

Two witnesses told Police Robertson set several fires on purpose because he wanted to hurt everyone and wanted meth (methamphetamine).

Police noted several fires burning throughout the camp, as Robertson stood over a fire. Police placed the alleged firebug into custody, transporting him back to Police Headquarter, to be interviewed.

The witnesses were also taken back, but were transported in separate vehicles, court records show.

The witnesses told Police, Robertson had threatened to burn the camp down and blow up the propane tanks located in the camp. Police said, the witnesses reported the suspect lit a fire about two feet from their tent and had stolen a pair of men’s slippers also.

All of the above, the witnesses told police, again, happened because the suspect wanted “meth.”

Robertson was sent to Bucks County Correctional Facility with his bail set at 10 percent of $40,000.00. He is currently scheduled to appear for a preliminary hearing on July 6.