GREENFIELD — A Greenfield woman faces a variety of charges after an unusual traffic accident and a suspicious fire nearby in late November.
Paula M. Sandaire, 35, Greenfield, and a 15-year-old juvenile were arrested Friday after a monthlong investigation into the accident, GPD Detective Lt. Randy Ratliffe said in a news release. Sandaire faces felony charges of arson and criminal recklessness and four other counts.
On Nov. 26, Greenfield Police Department officers responded to reports of a vehicle crash into a residence in the 1100 block of West 7th Street. While en route, officers were told two people were seen fleeing the scene.
Then, officers were notified of a vehicle fire in the 400 block of Winfield Park Drive, about a block away.
Witnesses told police at the fire scene that the vehicle that had crashed into the house was seen speeding away from the vehicle fire moments earlier.
Police and Greenfield Fire Territory investigators were able to determine the vehicle fire had been intentionally set.
Sandaire is the owner of the vehicle that crashed into the house. She was located a short distance away.
Police believe the arson stemmed from a dispute between two juveniles. The crash occurred as the suspects fled the scene of the arson, police said.
Sandaire is being held without bond in the Hancock County Jail. She faces charges of arson, criminal recklessness and neglect of a dependent, all Level 6 felonies. She also faces misdemeanor charges of theft, leaving the scene of an accident and criminal mischief.
Damage to the vehicle that was burned was estimated at $1,000. A second vehicle at the Winfield Park Drive address had its tires slashed; that damage was estimated at $600. Damage to the home was estimated at $50,000
