A recent incident in Pittsburgh's Garfield neighborhood has led to serious charges against a 48-year-old woman. Keila Fiqueroa is accused of intentionally starting a fire in a home from which she was in the process of being evicted. According to WPXI, the incident took place yesterday, with police responding to a reported break-in at 11:40 a.m. on the 5300 block of Mossfield Street.
Upon arrival, police were informed by the property owner that Fiqueroa was being evicted and a state constable had served her an eviction notice. The constable was reportedly present as she went inside the home to collect her belongings. A short time later, at 12:40 p.m., firefighters were called back to the same house after smoke was spotted coming from a second-story window. "Investigators have confirmed that they believe the fire was set intentionally by the woman who was being evicted," as reported in the original article by WPXI.
No injuries were sustained in the blaze, which firefighters managed to bring under control by approximately 1:30 p.m. Fiqueroa had fled the scene in her vehicle as crews were fighting the fire, but was later taken into custody at the intersection of East Liberty Boulevard and North Highland Avenue.
Further details obtained by WTAE revealed the extent of the damage caused. The criminal complaint against Fiqueroa noted damage to the second-story bedroom and an air conditioning unit, with repair costs estimated at around $80,000. Following the city's fire investigation unit's determination that the fire was set intentionally, Fiqueroa now faces charges that include arson and criminal mischief.
