A Servicemaster Restore vehicle is seen outside the Bellwood-Antis School District campus on Tuesday afternoon. Mirror photo by Patrick Waksmunski

BELLWOOD — A former Bellwood-Antis High School student is behind bars after allegedly setting a fire in the district’s middle school early Tuesday morning.

The fire and resulting damage subsequently closed the school district Tuesday.

Elias Izaha Lynn Alley, 19, was arraigned Tuesday afternoon before Magisterial District Judge Carmine W. Prestia Jr. on felony charges of arson, burglary, institutional vandalism and criminal mischief.

He was remanded to Blair County Prison after being unable to post $1 million bail. Alley’s preliminary hearing is scheduled for Dec. 31 before Prestia.

When interviewed by state police after he was detained, Alley allegedly admitted to breaking into the school and setting the fire.

According to court documents and a notice posted on the school district’s Facebook page, the fire began about 3 a.m.

While the affidavit of probable cause states the fire was set in the wrestling room, a notice issued by Superintendent Edward DiSabato stated the fire was in the gymnasium and boiler room area.

A state police fire marshal was called to investigate the fire and blood found at the scene, court documents state.

The report states the window to the coaches’ office had been broken and a series of footprints were found in the snow outside of a wooden access gate. Beyond the gate, a number of classroom windows face an open grassy area, investigators reported.

During the investigation, police found Room 24 had the window broken from the outside with broken glass scattered throughout the room. A cinder block-style brick was found laying on the ground, the report states.

A trail of blood led from the wrestling room to a teacher’s room, where the suspect, later identified as Alley, attempted to gain entry as indicated by blood evidence on the door, police reported.

The blood trail then led to an exit where Alley left the building. Security cameras captured Alley exiting the school. Alley, who was identified by a school resource officer, was wearing a black beanie hat, black T-shirt and black/white checkered pajama pants, the report states.

After Alley was identified as a suspect, state police found him at his residence in Altoona. Police reported Alley had cuts on his arms. In addition, a witness said Alley was not home at 2:30 a.m., but returned between 4 and 5 a.m. The witness said Alley had blood on his arms when he returned to the residence.

During a formal interview at the Hollidaysburg state police barracks, Alley allegedly admitted he used a rock to break a window and “dove” through the window. He used a lighter to set fire to a garbage bag in the corner of the wrestling room, according to court documents.

Despite swift action from firefighters, there was “significant damage” in the affected areas and smoke filled both the middle and high school buildings, DiSabato said.

In addition to canceling school on Tuesday, school officials postponed after school athletics and activities, with those scheduled for the remainder of the week under consideration, DiSabato said.

Plans were being made Tuesday afternoon for virtual instruction for both middle and high school students while the building is being repaired, DiSabato said, noting that virtual instruction plans will be released via Infinite Campus.

Myers Elementary, in a building separate from the high and middle school buildings, will continue as usual with in-person instruction, he added.

Cleanup has already begun, DiSabato said in a news release on Facebook, noting the district will provide updates on the process.

DiSabato lauded quick action by local first responders and said Excelsior Fire Dept. No.1 of Bellwood was assisted at the scene by Neptune Fire Company and Hookies Fire Company of Tyrone, Pinecroft Volunteer Fire Company and Greenwood Volunteer Fire Company of Altoona.

Mirror Staff Writer Conner Goetz is at 814-946-7535.