What began with a text message cliché, ended in two men getting severely injured and facing severe penalties for burning down a historic building. Zachariah Shaffer and Kyle Lawrence allegedly set fire to the Green Mountain Falls city hall in a revenge plot for getting a speeding ticket.
Zach sent a text to Kyle saying, “You want to play with some fire?” and the two headed over to the building, which housed the courthouse, each with five gallons of gasoline. They broken in, doused the building with gas, and heard a “click” before they could exit. The room burst into flames, both men caught fire and eventually were able to escape, but with serious burns.
Zach got out quickly but was burned on his arms, legs, and face, but Kyle was stuck in side much longer and was severely burned from the waist down. The two avoided seeking medical help as to not be linked to the arson, but an anonymous tip led police to Shaffer’s home and their arrest.