Two More Charged in Ryot Bridge Fire

 

Two additional arrests were made Tuesday evening for the Aug. fire that destroyed a historical covered bridge in Bedford Co.

State police said Joshua Bartholomew, 19 of Schellsburgh and a 16 year-old of Lancaster, PA. were each charged Tuesday with arson, conspiracy, burglary, theft and causing or risking a catastrophe.

The 16 yr. old was taken to the Cambria County Juvenile Detention Home to await his hearing in Bedford Co. Juvenile court. Bartholomew was placed in Bedford Co. prison in lieu of $100,000 straight bond. He must pay the entire $100,000 before being released. . . . . Commissioners have vowed to rebuild the historic bridge, despite a cost of about $300,000.

Police charged that the trio stole a container of gasoline from a shed August 14 and drove around looking for something to burn. Bartholomew and the 16 yr. old poured the gasoline on the bridge, and Sanders lit the fire police said.

In another related item in the Altoona Mirror dated 9/28/02, Kauffman Metals Inc. and Beford Materials, have agreed to donate materials to help rebuild the Ryot covered bridge. Kauffman Metals will provide the roofing, and Bedford Materials will donate the decking.