Police in Pennsylvania have arrested a man accused of carrying out a brutal attack at a homeless encampment that left a victim severely injured and fighting for his life.
Authorities say the shocking assault happened around 8:20 p.m. on February 28 in a wooded area of Springettsbury Township.
Officers were initially called to the scene after someone reported hearing a loud explosion and seeing flames coming from the area, according to local reports.
When police arrived, they discovered a fire burning inside the encampment.
They soon found a man nearby who had suffered horrifying injuries. Investigators said the victim was covered in blood and that much of his body had been set on fire.
According to court documents, the man had severe facial injuries and was barely able to speak when officers reached him.
Police also reported hearing small explosions while they worked to pull the victim away from the flames.
Once the man was stabilized, officers asked who attacked him.
“He did it,” the victim reportedly told them, adding that the attacker “tried to kill me.” However, he was unable to give police a name or detailed description of the suspect.
Investigators soon identified 39-year-old Zachary Orwig as the suspected attacker.
Police located Orwig less than 10 yards away from the scene. Authorities said he had blood on his hands, face, arms, and clothing when they found him.
Court documents also state that officers discovered blood-covered cash on the ground near him, and a knife was found tucked into his pants.
The victim was rushed to York Hospital with multiple serious injuries, including facial fractures and damage to his eye socket.
During the investigation, police determined that the victim’s nose had been bitten off during the violent assault.
Due to the severity of his injuries, the man was later airlifted to Johns Hopkins Hospital in critical condition. His current condition has not been publicly released.
Investigators believe the attack may have been connected to money the victim was carrying. The victim reportedly told police he had cash that his mother had given him.
Police say the victim and Orwig were the only two people at the encampment at the time of the incident.
When questioned by investigators, Orwig allegedly said he could not remember what happened during the attack and could not explain how the cash ended up near him.
Orwig was arrested and charged with attempted homicide, aggravated assault, robbery, simple assault, and strangulation.
Authorities say the investigation is still ongoing. A preliminary hearing in the case is scheduled for March 13.