Police: Man said he started fire to chase away demons

A standoff on Westmoreland Road ended Sunday evening when the suspect jumped through a window.

Jerad Cronin, 38, suffered a cut to his abdomen during the jump and had to go to the hospital before being released and sent to jail.

A neighbor said the three hour standoff started when she spotted Cronin starting a fire in her storage unit. She says she called 911, and he barricaded himself in an apartment. Police say Cronin told them he started the fire to chase away demons.

The neighbor said Cronin has a history of starting fires and threatening neighbors.

Police have charged Cronin with arson.