Woman, 72, Faces Arson Charges after Delaware Motel Fire

July 11, 2008

State fire investigators say a 72-year-old woman started a fire in a motel room near New Castle, Delaware.

It happened around 3 p.m. Tuesday at the Fairwinds Motel on U.S. 40.

Mary Colehouse, who was living in the room at the motel, has been charged with first-degree arson in the fire.

The fire was brought under control in about 15 minutes and damage was contained to the room. Colehouse suffered a minor burn but refused treatment. There were no other injuries. Damage was estimated at $2,500.

Colehouse was arraigned and committed to Baylor Correctional Center near New Castle in lieu of $5,000 bail.

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Information from: The (Wilmington, Del.) News Journal