On 05.26.25 at 7:08 PM the Northern York County Regional Police Department investigated a report of a 40-year-old male who attempted to burn his home down with his wife and child in the home. The incident occurred in the 2000 block of Wyatt Circle in Dover Township.
The suspect is 40-year-old Adam Ferrara, who was home that evening with his wife and child. Adam Ferrara became angry because the family dog ran into a screen door and caused damage to the screen. His anger increased as he threw items about the house. It escalated to the point that he grabbed a gasoline can and brought it into the kitchen. He attempted to pour the gasoline onto the stove. He threatened to burn the house down with his family inside the home. The wife reported that she was able to get the gasoline can away from him and her son took the can outside and hid it behind a shed in the backyard.
Adam Ferrara then attempted to set the house on fire by lighting cardboard at the gas stove. When the suspect learned that the police were being called to the home he went to an upstairs bedroom and loaded a rifle and a shotgun. He threatened that he would shoot any police that came to the home.
The wife gathered her son and the family dog and left the home. Nobody nor the pet was injured.
The police attempted to communicate with Adam Ferrara. After communications failed the York County Quick Response Team responded to the scene. Adam Ferrara answered his phone after an hour of attempted calls. A Northern York County Regional Police Corporal who is also a negotiator with the York County Quick Response Team was able to talk to him and have him walk out of his home.
Adam Ferrara was taken into custody by the York County QRT on his front lawn. He is charged with Criminal Attempt – Arson and Terroristic Threats. He is waiting on his arraignment.
