A 19-year-old woman from East Peoria was arrested Thursday after allegedly trying to set fire to a home with four people inside. Authorities say the suspect returned to the scene shortly after and was taken into custody, along with physical evidence. Fortunately, no one was injured.
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Attempted Arson Sparks Emergency
Peoria police and firefighters responded just before 10:45 a.m. Thursday to a home near the intersection of West Howett and South Blaine streets. Emergency crews found a small fire burning on the front porch and acted swiftly to extinguish it before it spread.
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Four People Narrowly Escape
At the time of the fire, four individuals were inside the residence. According to police, all four were able to evacuate the home safely and without injury.
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Suspect Identified at Scene
Witnesses told officers they saw a woman driving an SUV who poured gasoline on the porch and lit it before fleeing. Police later identified her as Akendra K. Metts, age 19, of East Peoria.
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Returned and Arrested
Just over 30 minutes after the fire was set, Metts returned to the residence at approximately 11:18 a.m. Officers on the scene arrested her without incident.
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Physical Evidence Discovered
A search of Metts’ vehicle revealed lighter fluid and multiple lighters. Police say the items directly tied her to the attempted arson.
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Suspect Confessed to Intent
During questioning, Metts admitted she had purchased the incendiary items before arriving at the house. She also told officers she intended to “fight one of the people in the home” and even returned to a store to buy more lighter fluid before her arrest.
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Facing an Aggravated Arson Charge
Metts is now facing charges of aggravated arson, a serious felony offense. She was booked into the Peoria County Jail Thursday afternoon. No bond information was released at this time.
