Michelle Young, a 46-year-old woman from Burlington, Iowa, has been arrested and charged with arson after allegedly setting fire to a stranger’s porch due to a misunderstanding.
Young was walking around the area, picking up various items, including a car’s taillight, tin foil, bark, and a yellow lawn flag.
She then approached a house, believing it to be her friend’s, and knocked three times without receiving a response. Seeing a sign that read “Witches Welcome,” Young, who identifies as a witch, decided to light some of the items she had collected on fire.
Young’s actions were captured on the homeowner’s security cameras, which showed her lighting the items on fire. The homeowner reported the incident to the police, who tracked down Young and questioned her. Young admitted to lighting the fire and explained that she had no intention of hurting anyone or letting the fire get out of control. She also mentioned that she had spent about two hours wandering around the area while picking up the items she later set on fire.
Young was charged with reckless use of fire, explosives, and destructive devices, as well as possession of drug paraphernalia. Her mugshot, which shows her smiling maniacally, has gone viral. She was booked into the Des Moines County Jail in lieu of a $5,000 bond and is scheduled to appear in court for her preliminary hearing on March 29.
This incident underscores the potential dangers of misinterpretation and misunderstanding, especially when it involves actions that can cause harm or damage to property. Young’s actions have sparked outrage and concern among the community, highlighting the importance of clear communication and the potential consequences of misjudgment.
