JENNINGS CO. – 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 an apartment fire at the home of Gwendolynn (Gwen) Mae Grigsby, 55.
Investigators determined the fire 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, evidence of spray paint was discovered.
Grigsby was not home at the time the 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. Later, she said the fire started in the closet using a lighter and an aerosol can, according to charging documents in the case. She said she allegedly blacked out on drugs and didn’t remember the incident.
Grigsby was taken into custody and charged with felony arson. She remains in custody at the Jennings County Jail.
Another fire is under investigation in the area that occurred at a nearby vacant house about 12 hours before the apartment fire. Evidence of spray paint was also found at that scene, and it was believed to have been intentionally set. No arrests have been made in that incident.
