A 68‑year‑old woman in Louisville, Kentucky has been arrested after she allegedly set her apartment building on fire because she was facing eviction.
The Incident: What Happened
According to the Louisville Metro Police Department, Elizabeth H. Radmacher is facing charges of arson, wanton endangerment, and criminal mischief.
The incident occurred on March 14, at an apartment building on Tazwell Drive in northeast Louisville. Around 3 a.m., Radmacher reportedly set her bedroom on fire and left the building. As the flames spread, other residents were forced to flee for their safety.
Witness Accounts
Several witnesses said they heard Radmacher shouting, “I’m going to kill everybody,” as the fire grew. She also reportedly claimed that someone else forced her to start the fire.
Radmacher was in the process of being evicted at the time, according to the arrest citation. One neighbor told local reporters, “I knocked at the doors and told everybody to get out because the fire is coming.“
Danger to Other Residents
The fire created a serious risk for other tenants, particularly a family of three living directly above Radmacher. Around eight tenants were forced to evacuate, and one person was taken to the hospital for treatment related to the fire.
Firefighters Respond Quickly
Thanks to the efforts of 29 firefighters from two different departments, the fire was brought under control in just 19 minutes. Fortunately, the fire didn’t spread beyond Radmacher’s unit, though it caused an estimated $100,000 in damage.
While most residents were able to return to their homes, two tenants were displaced due to smoke and fire damage.
Radmacher’s Charges and Court Date
Radmacher is currently being held at Louisville Metro Corrections with a bond set at $50,000. She is scheduled to appear in court on March 27.
