Boardman police investigate suspected arson
Staff report
BOARDMAN
Township police and fire officials are investigating a fire at a Cook Avenue apartment building as an arson.
Officials responded to 890 Cook Ave. about 12:30 a.m. Wednesday, according to a police report, as residents were evacuating.
Everyone made it out safely, and there were no injuries, according to police.
Officials believe an unidentified suspect may have intentionally started the fire in one apartment unit in connection with an incident at the same residence early Monday.
When police spoke to the resident whose apartment in which the fire started, she reportedly said, “I told you this was going to happen. I told you he was going to try to kill me.”
According to a police report, police responded to the apartment about 4:30 a.m. Monday.
A male suspect reportedly slashed the car tires of the victim, smashed her cellphone and threatened her and other victims with a knife.
When police entered the apartment after the fire, they discovered a couch inside the residence in question was slashed, the victim’s dogs had been released from their kennel and that dresser drawers were missing.
One of the families who live in the building went to stay with relatives.
The American Red Cross secured housing for three other families.
Police are investigating the case as an aggravated arson and burglary, both of which are first-degree felonies.