Suspect arrested in Delaware apartment building fire
September 23, 2018
BEAR, Del. — Investigators say a fire that destroyed a Delaware apartment building was deliberately set.
State fire marshal deputies said a suspect has been arrested and charged with first-degree arson and three counts of reckless endangering. They identified the suspect as 37-year-old Teresa Iocco of Bear.
Iocco was awaiting arraignment late Sunday in the Justice of the Peace Magistrate Court.
The blaze reported in Bear shortly after 6 a.m. Sunday engulfed the three-story building and caused more than $1 million in damage. There were no reported injuries.
Building management at the Fox Run Apartment complex was working on relocating residents. It was not immediately clear how many residents were displaced. A total of 24 apartment units were damaged.
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Woman charged with arson following large apartment complex fire in Bear, Delaware
Woman charged with arson following large apartment complex fire in Delaware: Trish Hartman reports on Action News at 11 p.m., September 23, 2018
Sunday, September 23, 2018 11:30PM
BEAR, Del. (WPVI) -- Fire officials said a fire that destroyed an apartment building in Bear, Delaware early Sunday morning was intentionally set.
Teresa Iocco, 37, of Bear, Del. has been arrested by deputy fire marshals and charged with Arson in the first degree and three counts of reckless endangering in the first degree. All charges are felonies.
According to court documents, Iocco started the fire on the patio of one of the apartments knowing people were inside. Witnesses said they saw flames coming from a trash can on the patio before it spread to the rest of the building.
"It's sad. I'm not sure why someone would even think about doing that," said Mike Koeppel. "It's kind of crazy actually."
Iocco was taken into custody without incident and arraigned Sunday.
Delaware apartment fire intentionally set, officials say: Trish Hartman reports on Action News at 5:30 p.m., September 23, 2018
The fire was reported shortly after 6 a.m. at the Fox Run Apartment Complex on the 2900 block of Squirrel Drive, near Route 40 and Wrangle Hill Road.
Crews arrived on scene to find flames engulfing the three-story occupied dwelling.
Investigators said the fire damaged 24 apartment units, 12 of which will not be able to be reoccupied.
Firefighters battle 4-alarm apartment fire in Bear, Delaware. Jeannette Reyes reports during Action News at 9 a.m. on September 23, 2018.
The management of the complex is working on relocating the displaced residents.
The heavy fire damage is expected to exceed $1,000,000.
No injuries were reported.
The Red Cross is assisting with recovery efforts.
A preliminary hearing for Iocco is tentatively scheduled for October 8.