SANDY, Utah (TCD) — A 37-year-old woman was arrested and charged after allegedly starting an apartment complex fire that forced multiple residents out of their homes.
According to an affidavit obtained by KSL-TV, on Sunday, March 5, Crystal Moss ignited the fire at the Liberty Heights Apartments complex to “burn away the negative energy, sadness, and pain in her life.”
Officers responded to the scene at approximately 3 a.m. and were met by Moss, who admitted to starting the fire, KUTV-TV reports.
Moss reportedly told police she placed a “tree of life” inside a cauldron in her bedroom and used a lighter to start it.
Moss reportedly said it was “difficult to ignite the tree of life,” so she added alcohol to it “to speed up the process.”
According to KUTV, Moss said she “wanted to burn the universe but didn’t want to hurt anyone.”
She allegedly knocked on the fire department’s garage door but didn’t alert any of her neighbors.
Officers reportedly escorted people out of their units as fire personnel arrived at the scene.
One officer was transported to a hospital for smoke inhalation, but no other serious injuries were reported, KSL reports.
Moss was arrested and booked into the Salt Lake County Jail for arson — damages exceed $5,000 in value, records show. Her bond was set at $2,500.
MORE:
TRUE CRIME DAILY: THE PODCAST covers high-profile and under-the-radar cases every week. Subscribe to our YouTube page for podcasts, exclusive videos, and more, and don’t forget to follow us on TikTok.
