Wisconsin Woman Accused of Setting Father’s Apartment on Fire After Being Told to Move Out, Causing Blaze in Senior Housing Complex
MILWAUKEE, WISCONSIN — A Wisconsin woman is facing serious arson and reckless endangerment charges after authorities say she deliberately set her father’s apartment on fire inside a senior housing complex, allegedly using charcoal lighter fluid and a cigarette lighter following an argument over being told to move out.
Argument Reportedly Escalated Inside Senior Apartment
According to court records and witness statements, Laquita Spears, 48, had been staying with her father at the New Hampton Gardens apartment complex after being removed from a local shelter. Investigators say tensions between the two had been building for weeks, culminating in a heated confrontation on January 13 inside the apartment.
The father told police that the argument centered around money and Spears’ living situation. During the dispute, he informed her that she could no longer stay at the apartment, prompting yelling and profanities, according to the criminal complaint.
Charcoal Fluid and Lighter Allegedly Used to Start Fire
Authorities allege that during the argument, Spears walked toward the front door carrying a red Bic lighter, while shouting profanities. Investigators say she then poured charcoal lighter fluid onto a jacket lying on the couch and a laundry basket filled with clothes before igniting both items and leaving the apartment. The fire quickly spread beyond the unit, filling the building with smoke and forcing residents to evacuate.
Elderly and Disabled Residents Forced to Evacuate
The apartment complex primarily houses elderly and disabled residents, many of whom had to be rushed out of the building as firefighters worked to contain the blaze. Officials confirmed that one person was hospitalized after being found unresponsive during the evacuation, though no fatalities were reported.
Fire crews were able to prevent the flames from destroying the entire structure, but the damage was significant enough to displace multiple residents.
Prior Arson Convictions Noted in Court Records
Court documents reveal that Spears has two prior arson-related convictions, a factor prosecutors cited when requesting a high bond. She was located and arrested on January 16, three days after the fire.
She is now facing multiple felony charges, including arson and reckless endangerment, and is being held on a $50,000 bond as the case proceeds through the court system.
Investigation Ongoing
Authorities continue to review surveillance footage, fire investigation reports, and witness statements to determine the full scope of the incident and whether additional charges may be filed. Officials have not released further details about the condition of the hospitalized resident.
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