BURLINGTON, Iowa (KWQC) - A Burlington woman was arrested Tuesday after police say she lit items on fire on a stranger’s porch.
Michelle Young, 46, faces charges of reckless use of fire/explosives/destructive devices, a serious misdemeanor, and possession of drug paraphernalia, a simple misdemeanor.
A judge set bond Wednesday at $5,000 cash-only. She has a preliminary hearing March 29.
According to an arrest affidavit filed in Des Moines County Court:
Burlington fire and police responded at 4:38 p.m. Tuesday to the 2200 block of Vineyard Street for a porch fire.
Michelle Young, 46, of Burlington, faces charges of reckless use of fire/explosives/destructive devices, a serious misdemeanor, and possession of drug paraphernalia, a simple misdemeanor. (KWQC/Burlington Police Department)
The homeowner said her home security cameras captured a woman on the porch who lit something on fire. The homeowner said smoke was also visible in the footage.
Officers found the woman, identified as Young. She admitted to starting the fire when officers asked her what she was doing.
Young told officers she believed the home belonged to a friend. She said she also saw a sign that said “Witches Welcome” and, because she was a witch, she lit some items on fire.
Young added she was not going to hurt anyone or let the fire get out of control.
The homeowner told police she did not know Young.
Young was taken to the police department and spoke with detectives.
She said she had been around Vineyard Street for about two hours, walking and picking up miscellaneous items. The items include a car’s taillight, tin foil, bark and a yellow lawn flag.
She said again that she believed the home belonged to her friend and that she knocked three times but did not get a response.
Young said she sat down on a chair on the porch and smoked a cigarette. She knocked again and, when she didn’t get an answer, she lit the items she had with her on fire.
She said she also put clothing in the fire, according to the affidavit.
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