Aaron J. Hugar

By Jillian Pikora From Daily Voice

A Mount Joy man is under fire after allegedly setting a car ablaze during a domestic dispute and later threatening to blackmail the victim to keep her from testifying against him, police and court documents show.

Aaron J. Hugar, 45, was first arrested after a fiery vehicle explosion erupted in the early morning hours of Monday, Feb. 10 on the 1000 block of Donegal Springs Road, according to Mount Joy police.

The car was fully engulfed in flames, detonating loudly and dangerously close to occupied homes and other vehicles, authorities said. The incident was preceded by a four-hour-long domestic argument between Hugar and his spouse.

The Original 25 Charges

According to court records, Hugar was charged with 25 total offenses, including:

  • Felony Arson — Danger of Death or Bodily Injury
  • Felony Arson — Endangering Property
  • Felony Causing or Risking Catastrophe
  • Felony Aggravated Assault — Attempt to Cause Serious Bodily Injury
  • Misdemeanor Recklessly Endangering Another Person (18 counts)
  • Misdemeanor Simple Assault
  • Misdemeanor False Report — Falsely Incriminate Another
  • Misdemeanor Disorderly Conduct
  • Summary Harassment
  • Summary Noise Disturbance Ordinance Violation

The Blackmail Accusation

From April through July 2025, Hugar allegedly contacted the same woman and threatened to release videos he claimed would implicate her in crimes unless she agreed to give false testimony at a probation hearing.

He was charged with two additional felonies:

  • Felony Intimidation of a Witness — Withholding Testimony
  • Felony Intimidation of a Witness — False/Misleading Testimony

Court Proceedings

Hugar waived his preliminary hearing on the witness intimidation charges on Monday, July 29, before Judge Michael Hess. Assistant District Attorney Anthony Gilbert represented the Commonwealth.

His arson case is scheduled for a status conference on Thursday, Aug. 21, before Judge Merrill M. Spahn in Lancaster County Court.

Hugar remains held at Lancaster County Prison on $50,000 bail.

Aaron Hugar is accused of setting off an explosive fire in Mount Joy—then blackmailing the victim to stop her from testifying, court docs reveal.