A 42-year-old Seattle woman has been charged with first-degree arson after setting fire to an apartment door with a gas can, placing the occupants of that unit and the entire complex in danger.
Based on security footage, witness reports, and thorough investigations, Redmond detectives identified and arrested Francette L. Lindsey on Thursday, July 20, for Domestic Violence Arson in the First Degree.
Detectives reported that on Friday, July 14, around 10:30 p.m., Lindsey was seen entering the Together Center Complex at 16305 NE 87th Street with a gas canister and a blanket. She was seen on video carrying the canister into the building and through the halls to an elevator. The blanket was wrapped over her head.
The building's fire alarm sounded minutes after the suspect was seen on video entering the elevator. Witnesses reported seeing the suspect exit the building without the gas canister and leave in a black SUV.
Redmond Police and Fire personnel observed smoke and fire damage to the front door and frame of a specific apartment unit on the third floor of the building. The renter of the unit was not home during the incident. The fire triggered the hallway ceiling sprinklers, extinguishing the flames and causing extensive water damage to the hallway.
One witness informed an officer that he had found the red gas canister with black burn marks in the apartment complex parking garage.
Nearly 100 apartment residents were evacuated from the building to ensure their safety while Redmond Police and Fire secured the scene. No injuries were reported in the fire.
Thursday morning, Redmond detectives took the suspect into custody without incident at her apartment complex in Seattle and booked her into King County Jail. The crime is Domestic Violence related because the suspect and the victim are former roommates.
MEDIA CONTACT:
Jill Green, Public Information Officer
jgreen@redmond.gov
425-556-2627