FROM CBS 21
DAUPHIN COUNTY, Pa. (WHP) — After an arson attack at the Governor’s Residence on April 13, Penbrook Police have released further investigative findings following the suspect’s arrest and public arraignment.
Cody Balmer, 38, was charged with multiple felony crimes including arson and terrorism after allegedly setting fire to the Governor’s Residence while Gov. Josh Shapiro and his wife were inside.
READ MORE | Alleged arsonist said he would've beaten Gov. Shapiro with hammer if caught: troopers
As investigators continue to determine how the incident was able to take place, police have found that there were warning signs surrounding Balmer days before the attack on the governor.
Penbrook Police state that on April 10, Balmer’s mother contacted officers out of concern for her son’s well-being, saying that she believed Balmer had stopped taking his medications a year ago and described his behavior as “irritable and agitated.”
Officials report that Balmer’s mother had also contacted Crisis Intervention on April 6; however, police say since Balmer did not make threats to himself or others, his case “did not meet the threshold for an involuntary mental health evaluation.”
Officials state that an individual can only be involuntary committed if they exhibit the following behavior:
- Presenting a clear and present danger to others
- Unable to self-care
- Attempting suicide or expressing suicidal or homicidal ideations
- Self-mutilating
Cody Balmer was arrested just days later on April 13 on numerous charges including attempted murder, aggravated arson and burglary.