Crime
Arson charge filed against La Crosse man accused of setting fires in his condemned house
A short time after firefighters were called to a burning house on George Street this week, the resident of the house was arrested on an arson charge.
Patrick Pedretti allegedly was angry that the house had been condemned. Investigators say Pedretti’s name was on a piece of paper set on fire in the house on George Street.
Fires were set in a bathtub and a kitchen sink on Wednesday night.
The house has been condemned, and neighbors say Pedretti was upset about the condemnation. There was moderate fire damage to the house.
Pedretti could get a 40-year prison term if he’s convicted of starting the fire.