http://www.kbzk.com/news/self-proclaimed-hero-in-laurel-fiberglass-fire-charged-with-arson/
Self-proclaimed hero in Laurel fiberglass fire charged with arson
A Laurel man who claimed to have saved a co-worker from the fire that burned down the Fiberglass Structures Inc. on Thursday is now charged with causing the fire.
Last week, Kristopher Michael Harasymczuk, 30, told MTN that he was being treated for burns he suffered after he saved another man from the burning building.
On Monday, Harasymczuk was charged with negligent arson in Yellowstone County Justice Court.
Charging documents state that during interviews with investigators, a worker named Forest Hornoff reported that he was using an acetone solution to wash his hands and arms when he noticed Harasymczuk holding a lighter.
Hornoff told investigators that he did not see Harasymczuk flick the lighter but immediately realized he was on fire.
Harasymczuk then began patting Hornoff down in an attempt to put the fire out.
Other workers who were interviewed said, while they did not see how the fire started, they are aware that workers play with lighters while at the fiberglass plant.
Fiberglass Structures Inc. President Rob Harris said he has never heard reports of any employee playing with lighters and that if he had, that person would be reprimanded and possibly even terminated.
One employee told investigators that Harasymczuk is a "chronic liar" and another agreed, adding that Harasymczuk is a "goofball."
The fire caused an estimated $5 to $7 million damage to the building, which the Laurel Fire Marshal said was a total loss.
Harasymczuk made his initial court appearance Monday afternoon where a judge set bond at $25,000.
Self-proclaimed hero in Laurel fiberglass fire charged with arson
A Laurel man who claimed to have saved a co-worker from the fire that burned down the Fiberglass Structures Inc. on Thursday is now charged with causing the fire.
Last week, Kristopher Michael Harasymczuk, 30, told MTN that he was being treated for burns he suffered after he saved another man from the burning building.
On Monday, Harasymczuk was charged with negligent arson in Yellowstone County Justice Court.
Charging documents state that during interviews with investigators, a worker named Forest Hornoff reported that he was using an acetone solution to wash his hands and arms when he noticed Harasymczuk holding a lighter.
Hornoff told investigators that he did not see Harasymczuk flick the lighter but immediately realized he was on fire.
Harasymczuk then began patting Hornoff down in an attempt to put the fire out.
Other workers who were interviewed said, while they did not see how the fire started, they are aware that workers play with lighters while at the fiberglass plant.
Fiberglass Structures Inc. President Rob Harris said he has never heard reports of any employee playing with lighters and that if he had, that person would be reprimanded and possibly even terminated.
One employee told investigators that Harasymczuk is a "chronic liar" and another agreed, adding that Harasymczuk is a "goofball."
The fire caused an estimated $5 to $7 million damage to the building, which the Laurel Fire Marshal said was a total loss.
Harasymczuk made his initial court appearance Monday afternoon where a judge set bond at $25,000.
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