By Sarah Pellis
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The man accused of setting a fire that damaged a downtown Monongahela tavern was ordered held for trial on arson and other criminal charges.
Hunter McMahon, 29, of Monongahela appeared via video from the Washington County Correctional Facility for his preliminary hearing Wednesday before Magisterial District Judge Mark Wilson in Monongahela.
After a brief proceeding, Wilson held McMahon for court on charges of arson, reckless burning, aggravated assault of an officer, disorderly conduct and public drunkenness. A formal arraignment is scheduled for 1 p.m. May 23.
Both Washington County Chief Public Defender Rose Semple, who represented McMahon, and Washington County Assistant District Attorney Aaron Matthew Gallogly declined to comment after the hearing.
McMahon was allegedly harassing officers and firefighters as they responded to the early morning March 8 fire at 225 W. Main Street in Monongahela. Police claim McMahon first set fire to a dumpster behind the Great Wall Chinese restaurant and then the Main Street Tavern.
McMahon left the scene for five minutes but came back and caused a disturbance, according to police. He started running, and they tackled him to the ground as two lighters fell from his pockets.
Main Street Tavern owner David Ekves of Charleroi attended the hearing and said he was relieved that the court would continue to go further with this case, and was just glad McMahon wasn’t there in person.
“Today’s society is rough and you get a guy that ruins people’s lives, and it’s not just to one person,” Ekves said. “He basically gets free room and board for it. It’s just a bad thing.”
A fundraiser for Main Street Tavern was held March 30 at Rippel’s on the Creek.
“It was excellent,” Ekves said. “We had a great turn around and this is just a great start in the right direction.”
“Thank you to everyone who helped in any way to make yesterday a success,” Ekves said on Facebook after the event. “I appreciate all the love and support from each and every one of you. I look forward to sharing updates on the progress we make in the upcoming months. We are Main Street Strong!”
A bail for McMahon is still set at $250,000, and he is being held at Washington County prison.