Man assaults 82-year-old, sets house on fire, then hides from police in treehouse: report

A 20-year-old Pennsylvania man assaults an 82-year-old man then sets house on fire before hiding from police in a treehouse, according to authorities.

Around 1 p.m. July 31, police responded to a call stating Joseph Alton Hawk, 20, assaulted an 82-year-old man, officials said.

As police were responding, they also found out Hawk allegedly set fire to the house before running off, police said.

Multiple police agencies searched the area, but could not find Hawk, WPXI reported.

Witnesses said they saw Hawk the house, so police made their way to the home again around 7 a.m. Aug. 1, officials said. Once on the scene, police found Hawk, who had barricaded himself in a treehouse.

Hawk surrendered without incident and was arrested, police said.

He was charged with arson and assault-related charges, authorities said.

Hawk was arraigned and is currently being held in the Armstrong County Jail on $150,000 bail, police said.

The fire marshal said they are still investigating the fire.