The Sullivan County Sheriff’s Office has arrested a Smallwood resident for arson.

On Tuesday June 9, 2015 at about 7:10 PM, The Smallwood Fire Department responded to a structure fire at 393 Pine Grove Road in Smallwood. The residence, which was up for sale, was unoccupied at the time. The Fire Department quickly determined that the fire was suspicious and requested the police to respond. A short time later the Sheriff’s Patrol received a call of an injured male subject a few doors down at 440 Pine Grove Rd.

Sgt. Dale Niemann responded and found Tomasz Kusmirek, 41, with a laceration to his leg and burns to his hands and feet. Kusmirek was transported to Catskill Regional Medical Center by Bethel Volunteer Ambulance Corps. He was then transferred to the Lehigh Valley Hospital in Pennsylvania, with 3rd degree burns covering over 20% of his body In the ensuing investigation, Sullivan County Fire Investigators determined that the fire at 393 Pine Grove Road had several points of origin and that an accelerant was used. Deputies believe that the fire was started to cover a burglary that had taken place. Deputies recovered a stolen lawn tractor, an ATV, a log splitter and other property from Kusmirek’s residence.

On June 24, 2015 Tomasz Kusmirek was released from the hospital and taken into custody by the Salisbury, PA Police Department on a Fugitive from Justice warrant.

On Wednesday June 29, 2015 he was picked by Sheriff’s Deputies at the Lehigh County jail and transported back to Sullivan County. Kusmirek was charged with Felony Arson and Burglary. He was arraigned before Town of Thompson Judge Martin Miller and sent to the Sullivan County Jail without bail.

The investigation is continuing and additional charges may be filed.

(YWN Sullivan County Newsroom)