Macedonia " A Harper Lane man, who was already facing a second-degree felony possession of dangerous ordinance charge in connection with the April 22 explosion of fireworks flash powder in his backyard, is now looking at a first-degree felony aggravated arson charge, as well as felony and misdemeanor drug possession charges.
According to Cuyahoga Falls Municipal Court records, Jason M. Peltz, 35, did not enter a plea to the felony charges, including a fourth-degree felony drug possession count. He pleaded not guilty to a second-degree misdemeanor drug possession charge.
Peltz was being held in Macedonia City Jail April 30 on a $25,000 bond. His attorney, Mark Stanton, declined to comment.
Police and fire officials said the April 22 early afternoon explosion heavily damaged the rear of Peltz's home, damaged homes around it with shrapnel and forced the evacuation of about 100 residents for about six hours. Although Peltz and his mother were inside the home, there were no injuries reported to them or neighbors.
Police said the drug possession charges were in connection with nearly 200 tablets of two different prescription pain killers allegedly found in the home. Police believe the medication was not obtained through a prescription.
For more, see the May 7 edition of the News Leader.