HAMBURG, N.Y. -- An Eden man pleaded not guilty to burglary, grand larceny, and trespassing and other charges after a fire that destroyed a home on Rosedale Avenue in Hamburg.
Nicholas Harms was arraigned in Village of Hamburg Court. His lawyer said his client has no previous convictions, nor any arrests.
Three people inside the burning home jumped out of a second story window. Two firefighters suffered minor injuries unrelated to the fire.
Police found Harms near the scene, and said he was holding property from inside the house.
Erie County Legislator Lynne Dixon, who says she's close to the family affected, organized a collection drive at the village offices. Within the last two days, Dixon and Deputy Village Clerk Mary McKee says they've received everything from clothing to anonymous gift cards and monetary donations.
Bail was set at $100,000. Village Justice Andrew Fleming set Harms' felony hearing for Friday afternoon.