(North Vernon, IN) – Indiana State Fire Marshal investigators arrested a North Vernon woman on Sunday in connection with an apartment fire that occurred the day before.
Fire crews were dispatched Saturday afternoon to a fire at the home of 55-year-old Gwendolynn (Gwen) Mae Grigsby.
Investigators determined the blaze started in a closet between the kitchen and the living room of the apartment, where an exploded aerosol can was found.
Electrical devices in the area were all unplugged, and further investigation revealed the fire was intentionally set in this area.
In a back bedroom, investigators say they found evidence of spray paint.
Grigsby was not home when fire crews arrived.
However, her ex-husband told investigators he spoke to her in the apartment shortly before the fire started, at which time she allegedly threatened to burn the place.
The ex-husband said the fire was reported about 30 minutes later.
On Sunday, Grigsby was allegedly found near the scene of the fire.
During questioning, Grigsby initially said she didn’t know how it started.
Court documents indicate she later said the fire started in the closet using a lighter and an aerosol can.
She allegedly said she blacked out on drugs and didn’t remember the incident.
Grigsby was taken arrested and charged with felony arson. She remains in the Jennings County Jail.
The State Fire Marshal says another blaze that occurred at a nearby vacant house about 12 hours before the apartment fire is under investigation.
Authorities say evidence of spray paint was also found at that scene, and that the fire was believed to have been intentionally set.
No arrests have been made in that incident.
