Man in Pleasantville on the run after allegedly starting fire in family home
A fire that started on Greenmeadow Road turned into a three-hour delay for the Pleasantville School District out of an abundance of caution on Wednesday, according to police.
A fire that started on Greenmeadow Road turned into a three-hour delay for the Pleasantville School District out of an abundance of caution on Wednesday, according to police.
Police say at around 5 a.m., the homeowner of the residence called 911 reporting that his 32-year-old son, James Vastola, had started a fire in the basement of their family home.
First responders arrived to find heavy smoke and that the son had left the scene.
"It's very concerning," said Sally, who lives nearby.
Police say that out of an abundance of caution, in close coordination with Pleasantville Schools, a decision was made to delay the opening and place all schools on a lock out status.
The status restricts outdoor activity and limits building access.
Some parents in the district say they wished for clearer correspondence from the school as the situation unfolded.
"I could have easily made the decision to keep my son home today. I mean, it's a three-hour delay. I ended up sending him into school for three hours, so had I known that the entire seriousness of it and what the person that's on the run is capable of, me and his mother might've decided to keep him home from school today," said parent Danny Barresi.
Police say Vastola's whereabouts are still unknown.
"I trust our community and our departments. I'm sure that they will do their best and I'm sure they'll find him," says Alexis, who has kids in the district.
According to police, Vastola is a 32-year-old man; 6 feet 2 inches tall and 210 pounds. He was last seen in a black and green sweatshirt, black sweatpants and white sneakers.
Anyone with information is urged to contact the Pleasantville Police Department at 914-769-1500.
