Hunter
04/23/21
Cedar Rapids police arrested a woman earlier this week after she allegedly set fire to a residence intentionally.
The Cedar Rapids Gazette reports that 44-year-old Dana Chappuie attempted to cause a house fire and explosion after allegedly making several statements about burning down the house in the hours and days leading up to the February 15th fire.
Crews responded to the blaze on Eastern Boulevard Southeast around 1:30pm that day, and were able to contain the fire to a second-floor bedroom.
Investigators turned up a five-gallon gas can in the room where the fire originated, and a natural gas line in the basement had been detached from a dryer and deliberately left on.
Officials say Chappuie was alone in the house prior to the fire.
A warrant was requested for her arrest on March 17th, and she was arrested Tuesday. Chappuie has been charged with 2nd degree Arson, a Class C Felony punishable by a prison term of up to ten years if convicted.