James Vastola. 

By Ben Crnic From Daily Voice

This story has been updated. 

A search is underway for a 32-year-old man who police say set a fire inside his family’s Westchester County home early Wednesday, Dec. 10, prompting an emergency response and delays at all nearby schools.

Police said the incident began around 4:55 a.m. on Wednesday, when a Pleasantville homeowner called 911 reporting that his son, James Vastola, had started a fire in the basement of their residence. Officers arrived to find heavy smoke coming from inside the home while Vastola had already left the scene, according to the Pleasantville Police Department.

The homeowner was taken to a hospital for smoke inhalation and later released. Firefighters and the Pleasantville Ambulance Corps responded through County Fire Control. 

According to police, Vastola is 6-foot-2, weighs about 210 pounds, and was last seen wearing a black and green sweatshirt, black sweatpants, and white sneakers. Despite “multiple ongoing investigative techniques,” his whereabouts remain unknown, police said.

As the search continued, police and school officials enacted precautionary safety measures, including a three-hour delay on Wednesday morning. 

In coordination with the superintendent, Pleasantville schools were placed in Lockout status on Wednesday, limiting building access and restricting outdoor activity. Police said there was no evidence that Vastola posed a specific threat to the schools or anyone inside; however, the measure was taken “out of an abundance of caution.”

Police said the delay gave investigators valuable time to advance the case. Earlier in the day, officials confirmed there was no indication Vastola had access to firearms. 

Authorities are asking anyone with information about the incident or Vastola’s location to contact Pleasantville Police at 914-769-1500.

This continues to be a developing story. Check back to Daily Voice for updates.