The Orange County Criminal Lawyer Blog
A Kentucky woman was taken into custody and charged after a fire at a Louisville apartment complex displaced residents and caused significant damage, the authorities said.
The incident occurred around 3 a.m. on March 14 at an apartment building in northeast Louisville. According to the authorities, the 68-year-old woman allegedly started a fire inside her bedroom before leaving the apartment. Investigators later said the blaze appeared to have been set intentionally.
According to charging documents, at the time of the fire, the woman was reportedly facing eviction, and she was later booked on charges including arson, wanton endangerment, and criminal mischief, and was being held on a $50,000 bond.
It was reported that several residents were inside the building when the fire broke out. The authorities said approximately eight tenants were forced to evacuate as the flames and smoke spread. A family living directly above the unit was considered to be at direct risk, which contributed to additional charges filed in the case.
Witnesses told the authorities that the woman allegedly made alarming statements outside the building as the fire grew, including threats that she was “going to kill everybody.” She also reportedly claimed that someone else had made her start the fire.
Emergency crews responded quickly, with 29 firefighters from two departments working to contain the flames. Officials said the fire was under control in about 20 minutes.
One person was transported to a nearby hospital following the incident, though, at the time this was written, details about their condition had not been released. Fire investigators estimated the damage at approximately $100,000.
Most residents were able to return to their units, but two individuals were displaced due to smoke and fire damage.
If you or someone you love is suspected of a criminal offense, contact Orange County criminal defense lawyer Staycie R. Sena at (949) 477-8088 for a consultation now.