Yesterday morning, an incident at a Coronado apartment complex led to the arrest of a 57-year-old woman on multiple charges, including vandalism, arson, and animal cruelty. According to a social media post by the City of Coronado Police Department, officers were initially called to the scene to assist a property manager in addressing a water leak reported by a tenant in the downstairs unit.
The leak, which was emanating from the upstairs apartment, led officers to discover the presence of multiple fires inside that had been started intentionally. The woman, a resident of the upstairs unit, was found to have left the water running, in what appeared to be an act of vandalism gone awry. The San Diego County Sheriff’s Bomb Arson Unit was called to assist with the investigation of the scene, where the two dogs were also found and taken into protective custody.
During their check of the residence, authorities found two dogs in a bedroom; one had suffered injuries in the fire. "Both animals were taken into protective custody," said the City of Coronado Police Department's post. The injured dog's condition is not immediately known, nor is the motive behind the woman's alleged actions.
Charges have been filed against the woman, who remains unnamed at this time. With the investigation ongoing, updates are expected as more information becomes available. The arson unit's involvement suggests a careful examination of the events leading up to the fire and subsequent flooding. The well-being of the animals has been prioritized as they recover from their traumatic experience.
