AVERILL PARK, N.Y. - The Rensselaer County Sheriff's Office says that three people have been charged, two charged with arson, for the Sunday morning fire which burned down an historic home on Route 43 in the Town of Sand Lake.
After a joint investigation by the Rensselaer County Sheriff's Office and Rensselaer County Fire Investigation Unit, three individuals 20-year-old Christopher J. Felt, 18-year-old Rustin D. Atchinson, of West Sand Lake, and 19-year-old Allyson J. Leavenworth, of Schodack, were arrested.
Around 4:00 a.m. on Sunday, a person driving observed the historic home, located at 2867 Route 43, engulfed in flames. The residence was formerly the original Funeral Parlor in Glass Lake and served as such until approximately 100 years ago.
The witness called 911 and attempted to enter the residence to determine if anyone was inside, however was unable to do so due to extreme heat and heavy smoke.
Members of the Averill Park Fire Department and at least 16 other local departments responded to assist in putting out the fire. The fire completely destroyed the historic home and the neighboring home did not suffer a total loss due to quick and efficient action taken by participating departments.
At least three firefighters suffered minor injuries while trying to stop the blaze, one of which required medical attention. Additionally, two fire trucks from the Averill Park Fire Department were damaged from the intense heat and are now out of service.
Three cats belonging to the homeowner were trapped inside and are deceased.
Felt, who resided at the home, and Atchinson are both charged with felonies of Arson in the Third Degree, Arson in the Fourth Degree, Criminal Mischief in the Second Degree, Reckless Endangerment First Degree, Conspiracy in the Fourth Degree, Three counts of Aggravated cruelty to Animals, and the misdemeanor of Assault in the Third Degree.
Felt is additionally charged with the Misdemeanor of Making a punishable false written statement for providing false information on a sworn statement to Deputies who initially responded to the scene.
Leavenworth is charged with the Felony of Conspiracy in the Fourth Degree.
Rustin D. Atchinson
Christopher J. Felt
Allyson J. Leavenworth
NEWS10 ABC
