Suspect In String Of Fires In Waynesburg Identified

State Police have released the identity of the suspect they believe is responsible for a string of fires in the Greene County area over the Labor Day weekend.  Police say 37-year-old Jesse Patterson Jr. was arrested in connection with at least five different fires that broke out in Waynesburg Borough and the surrounding areas.  The fires occurred at St. Ann Church, Buddy’s Motel, and multiple residential properties in the area.  Patterson is facing multiple charges including arson and burglary.  There were no injuries reported.  In the meantime, Masses at St. Ann Catholic church, which is the oldest Catholic church in Greene County, have been canceled  until further notice, including the diocesan Jubilee Mass scheduled for September 6th.  Diocesan officials say the main body of the church “appears to be intact,” but adjoining spaces, particularly the basement, sustained extensive damage , but we are grateful to God that no one was injured.”  Church officials say services will be temporarily moved to other nearby churches as restoration begins.  Saint Ann Church was founded in 1839. The diocese said it’s one of the designated pious visit sites for the Jubilee Year of Hope.  (Photo courtesy of Waynesburg Franklin Township Volunteer Fire Company Facebook Page)