Argument leads to fire in a duplex in West Allis, 19-year-old woman arrested

WEST ALLIS, Wisconsin. – An argument between a couple leads to a duplex fire in West Allis.

Now a woman is in custody after police say she set fire to her own home while her boyfriend was inside.

According to West Allis police, a 19-year-old woman was arrested on multiple charges, including attempted murder and assault, both of which are related to domestic violence.

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According to investigators, her boyfriend told them he didn't even have a chance to put on pants because he was running away from the fire.

According to police, a heated argument was behind the arson at a residential building in West Allis.

“I smelled the fire from my bedroom. I could smell it, but I thought it was a barbecue or something,” said neighbor Joyce Zimmer.

Joyce Zimmer is 84 years old and lives next door.

She also heard loud voices coming from the building near 81st Street and Greenfield.

Fire in a duplex in West Allis

“I heard a lot of voices. They were arguing and talking,” Zimmer added. “I don't hear it anywhere else but over there because my window is right there.”

According to West Allis police, a 19-year-old woman set the fire.

According to investigators, she lives in the building with her boyfriend. The two were arguing when things got physical. Then she allegedly started hitting and scratching the man.

Eventually, emotions boiled over and the smoke turned into flames.

When officers arrived, the man told them he only had time to grab a basketball jersey before running out of the house.

“They didn’t seem like happy people to me,” Zimmer said.

No injuries were reported, but three families were left homeless.

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The woman was arrested on charges of arson, first-degree reckless endangerment, attempted murder and assault, both related to domestic violence.

“She needs help. She needs some kind of counseling or she needs to leave this man alone,” she said.

FOX6 is not naming the woman because no charges have been filed against her.

Police said the case will be forwarded to the Milwaukee County District Attorney's Office in the next few days for a charging decision.