Source: Montgomery County D.A.'s Office
A man with ties to Willow Grove is facing serious charges after investigators say he set two fires in Montgomery County late last year, including one that destroyed a local auto shop, according to a report.
Authorities allege that Sean Gahagan, 56, of Lebanon County, set fire to JG Transmissions, 616 Davisville Road in Willow Grove, on the night of Dec. 29, 2025 The business, located just a few miles from the Pennsylvania Turnpike, was heavily damaged in the blaze. Firefighters were able to bring the fire under control, but much of the building was destroyed.
According to investigators, Gahagan had previously worked at the shop and returned there earlier that day. Police say he later broke in by smashing a window and attempted to steal money, but after finding only a small amount of cash, he used a flammable liquid to start the fire.
That same evening, authorities say Gahagan also set a separate fire at a property along Huntingdon Pike in nearby Lower Moreland Township. Officials say Gahagan was convicted of setting a fire there back in 2004. Prosecutors now believe the latest incident was fueled by lingering anger over the tens of thousands of dollars he was ordered to pay in restitution in that earlier case.
Police connected Gahagan to both fires using surveillance footage that showed a red Chevrolet Cobalt near the scenes shortly before the blazes were reported. He was later located in Lebanon County and, according to court documents, admitted to setting both fires.
Gahagan is now charged with arson, burglary, and related offenses. He is being held on $500,000 bail as the case moves forward.
No injuries were reported in either fire.
