Christopher James Colts charged after allegedly setting off high-rise fire alarm by holding cigarette to detector
A Bradford apartment building was evacuated after a resident allegedly triggered a fire alarm by holding a lit cigarette to a hallway smoke detector; video reviewed by authorities led to charges.
On May 27, 2026, at about 6:28 a.m., police say Christopher James Colts intentionally blew smoke at a hallway smoke detector and held a lit cigarette next to the detector at the High Rise apartment at 2 Bushnell St., triggering the building's fire alarm and an evacuation. Housing Authority video reviewed by investigators led to charges of CC 4905A — False Alarms to Public Safety (M1) and CC 5503 A4 — Disorderly Conduct (M3); Colts was remanded to the McKean County Jail on a $12,500 bond on July 18, 2026. All persons are considered innocent until proven guilty in a court of law.