Frankford man allegedly sets fire to ex’s house with seven people inside

Police are looking for John Copes after he allegedly intentionally set the blaze.

Copes

A messy breakup caused a Frankford man to set fire to his ex-girlfriend’s house with seven people inside on June 13, according to police.

Three adults and four children escaped the burning rowhouse on the 1700 block of Brill Street at about 5 a.m. Police helped them evacuate the property with flames engulfing a wooden rear deck. The officers then fought back the blaze as firefighters arrived at the scene. No injuries were reported.

Investigators found a gas can at the scene, leading them to believe the fire was intentionally set. One of the victims told police her ex-boyfriend, John Copes, had previously threatened to torch the place. Police are still looking for Copes, 35, of the 4800 block of Darrah Street. ••