A case of stalking in Manor Township nearly became catastrophic.

Police charged a Lancaster man with a series of bizarre crimes over the past month, the most serious being an alleged attempt to burn down a family’s home.

John Geiman, 37, is charged with arson, risking a catastrophe, attempted burglary and prowling regarding the alleged crimes, first reported in October.

The family installed surveillance cameras and hired a private investigator after the first set of crimes, court documents show.

Two bondsmen posted Geiman’s $150,000 bail following arraignment Monday at District Judge Joshua Keller’s office.

Geiman, of Albright Avenue, is charged with targeting a house on Temple Avenue on numerous occasions, according to an arrest affidavit.

A protection-from-abuse order shows that Geiman also urinated on a vehicle and the front porch during two of at least 10 incidents at the house.

Sign up for our newsletter Success! An email has been sent with a link to confirm list signup. Error! There was an error processing your request.

Initially, the affidavit shows, Geiman slashed tires on two vehicles and poured sugar in the vehicles’ gas tanks. He also was observed “lurking” around the house.

Early in the morning of Nov. 12, according to the affidavit, Geiman went a step further. He doused the home’s porch with gasoline and set newspapers on fire.

A couple and their young child were inside the home. The house didn’t catch fire.

During a police interview a day later, Geiman admitted to the criminal conduct, the affidavit shows.

Previously at the Temple Avenue home, he was detained by the private investigator while trying to break into the house, the affidavit shows.

Geiman also removed cameras placed outside the house, according to the affidavit.