Northeast Iowa Woman Tries to Barricade Herself Inside Home, Charged with Arson
A report of a house on fire has led to an arson charge against northeast Iowa woman who tried to barricade herself inside the residence.
West Union Police say they were notified of a house on fire in the 100 Block of South Oak Street on Wednesday (01.24). At the scene, officers found the back of the residence on fire, and a resident, 61-year-old Amy Downing, watching the fire.Â
According to court documents, when an officer asked Downing what she was doing, she stated she was “burning things.” As the officer tried putting the fire out, the West Union Fire Department also arrived at the scene.
However, when firefighters attempted to enter the house, Downing allegedly dead bolted the door and then barricaded herself in the residence, placing objects in front of the door. Officers forcefully entered the building, located Downing, and removed her.Â
She has been charged with first-degree arson, a Class B felony; and interference with official acts, a simple misdemeanor.
The Fayette County Sheriff’s Office also assisted at the scene.
Court records show Downing was arrested on January 14th for possession of drug paraphernalia, fifth-degree theft and interference with official acts after she allegedly caused a disturbance at a West Union gas station. After a clerk refused to take a check for items Downing wanted to buy, she’s accused of throwing the check at the clerk and walking away with merchandise without paying.Â
Downing was also allegedly uncooperative when she was being placed under arrest, during which she was found to be in possession of a plastic straw with a residue that field-tested positive for methamphetamine.
