State Police say a late-night fire investigation in the Town of Union led to a foot pursuit, a struggle with a trooper and multiple felony charges.

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A Johnson City man is facing arson and assault charges after New York State Police said he intentionally set a residential fire and later fought with a trooper who tried to arrest him. The incident happened late September 21 and early September 22 in the Town of Union, according to State Police.

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The charges are allegations. The defendant is presumed innocent unless proven guilty in court.

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What happened in the Town of Union?

State Police said troopers and fire personnel were called to a home on Onondaga Street in the Town of Union at about 10:50 p.m. on September 21, 2026, for a reported structure fire.

Investigators later determined that John R.A. Walley, 39, of Johnson City, intentionally set the fire, according to the police release. The resident was not home at the time.

State Police said Walley and the resident knew each other. The release did not describe the nature of that relationship or provide a possible motive.

Police say a foot pursuit led to a struggle

During the investigation, a trooper spotted Walley walking in the area, State Police said. A short foot pursuit followed.

Police said Walley became physically combative when the trooper attempted to take him into custody. According to the release, Walley tried to pull at the trooper’s firearm while it remained secured in the officer’s holster.

A second trooper arrived and helped bring Walley under control and place him in custody.

What charges were filed?

• Third-degree arson, a Class C felony
• Second-degree assault with intent to cause injury to a police officer, a Class D felony
• Attempted second-degree robbery, a Class D felony
• Third-degree assault, a misdemeanor
• Resisting arrest, a misdemeanor

State Police said the charges followed the fire investigation and the later confrontation with the trooper.

Trooper and suspect were treated at the hospital

State Police said Walley suffered minor injuries during the incident. He was taken to Wilson Medical Center, treated and released.

The trooper who first encountered Walley was also treated at Wilson Medical Center and later released. The agency did not provide additional details about the trooper’s injuries.

After treatment, Walley was processed at SP Endwell and turned over to the Broome County Jail for centralized arraignment.

Several investigative teams are involved

Members of the State Police Bureau of Criminal Investigation and Forensic Identification Unit responded to the scene. State Police said Johnson City Fire Department investigators and State Fire investigators were also assisting.

Fire investigations can involve several agencies because investigators must determine where and how a fire started, preserve evidence and document damage for possible court proceedings.

What is known — and what remains unclear

• Police have not announced a motive for the alleged fire.
• The release does not state how much damage the residence sustained.
• No injury to the resident was reported because the resident was not home.
• Police have not announced whether additional charges are expected.

State Police said the “investigation remains ongoing,” leaving open the possibility that more information could be released as the case develops.

What happens next?

Walley’s felony and misdemeanor charges will proceed through the criminal court system in Broome County. Prosecutors will have to prove the charges beyond a reasonable doubt if the case goes to trial.

Because the investigation remains open, the current charges may not be the final list of allegations. Charges can be amended, reduced or dismissed as a case develops.

Source

This report is based on a New York State Police news release dated September 23, 2026. Utica Phoenix has rewritten and organized the information for clarity and regional readers.

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