VIRGINIA — A woman allegedly set fire to her own residence and watched it burn until authorities arrived on the scene.
Stephanie Dawn Beddo, 35, was charged Tuesday with first-degree arson and other crimes after the blaze at the Irongate Apartments and Townhomes on Friday.
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The fire was reported around 3:45 p.m. at 320 E. Fourth Ave. N. The unit is in the middle of a complex of eight connected townhomes, and residents must have children to reside there.
A St. Louis County sheriff’s deputy arrived and found Beddo standing outside. When asked what happened, she allegedly replied: “I lit it up.”
A criminal complaint says she then threw a Bic lighter inscribed with the words "Don't Give Up” on the ground and told the deputy, “That’s the lighter.”
When authorities attempted to learn whether anyone was still inside the residence, Beddo reportedly expressed concern that her boyfriend was still inside and asked to be allowed to search for him.
An East Range Police Department officer told her she could not because the structure was on fire, to which she allegedly replied: “I know, I lit it on fire.”
Fire crews were able to quickly contain the blaze before it could spread to other units. Authorities said it was determined the fire started in a bedroom, which was “engulfed,” and it spread to other rooms, causing “substantial fire and smoke damage.”
No injuries were reported, and no other residents were displaced.
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Police said Beddo appeared to be under the influence of controlled substances and was taken to Essentia Health-Northern Pines, where she allegedly “freaked out” and kicked a nurse who brought her medications.
The complaint says she was medically cleared and taken to jail, where she was seen on video dropping a bag of a white powdery substance that later tested positive for fentanyl.
While searching the townhome, investigators found a copy of a harassment restraining order that had been served on Beddo roughly three hours before the fire.
The petition was filed on behalf of Beddo’s children by their legal guardian. It claims she had been acting erratically, showing up unannounced and causing “verbal assaults and arguments.” She needs treatment for both substance use and mental health issues, the petition states.
Judge Andrew Peterson immediately granted a temporary restraining order upon the filing of the petition.
Beddo was arraigned Tuesday on the arson charge, as well as gross misdemeanor counts of fifth-degree assault and drug possession. Court records indicate she has prior convictions for fifth-degree assault, impaired driving test refusal and disorderly conduct.
Judge Michelle Anderson set bail at $100,000, with Beddo’s next court appearance scheduled for Monday.
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