An Ithaca man was arrested Tuesday afternoon in connection with two recent arson fires that occurred at the Asteri Apartment Building in downtown Ithaca.
The suspect, Steven Swavely, was taken into custody around 12:10 p.m. on June 17 in the 100 block of East Green Street, according to the Ithaca Police Department.
The fires happened on May 31 at approximately 12:52 p.m. and on June 1 at about 5:30 p.m. Both incidents took place at the same building, located in the heart of the city.
During the arrest, Swavely resisted officers, and a bystander released his dog, which then attacked multiple people—including officers, civilians, and Swavely himself. Several individuals suffered minor injuries. Officers ultimately subdued Swavely, while another bystander managed to restrain the dog. Swavely and one officer were treated for injuries and released.
Swavely has been charged with two counts of second-degree arson, both class B felonies, and one count of resisting arrest, a class A misdemeanor. He was arraigned before Judge Peacock and remanded to the Tompkins County Jail. The dog was turned over to the SPCA.
The Ithaca Fire Department assisted in the arson investigations. Police are asking anyone with information to contact them through dispatch, the department’s tip line, or their anonymous tip website.
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