GREENFIELD — A woman has been arrested on suspicion of arson after a fire late Saturday destroyed a dwelling in the 100 block of Forest Avenue.
Donya Lynn Jordan, 44, Noblesville, was arrested Tuesday afternoon and booked into the Hancock County Jail. Prosecutors expect to file formal charges today.
Jordan, who police say knew the homeowner, was interviewed Monday by Greenfield Police Department detectives and Fire Marshal Brian Lott of the Greenfield Fire Territory. Jordan was told video from security cameras in the area placed her vehicle at the scene of the fire shortly before the blaze broke out. But she originally denied involvement, Lott said.
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Tuesday morning, Jordan called officials and said she wanted to come in to talk, Lott said. When she arrived, she confessed to the crime and was arrested.
Law enforcement said the existence of video footage from the surrounding area was crucial in the investigation.
After ruling out all accidental causes and determining the area of the fire’s origin, which was a bed, Lott said he immediately started searching the neighborhood and surrounding area for video cameras.
“Every fire I’ve ever had in Greenfield, I’ve always had some kind of footage from a neighbor, and this one was no different,” Lott said.
Law enforcement officials were able to find video footage of the back alley and front drive along Forest Avenue, which showed Jordan’s vehicle in the alley prior to the fire starting, Lott said.
Investigators were also able to find footage of the woman’s vehicle traveling up and down State Road 9 in the vicinity, helping them to determine when she arrived and left the area.
Greenfield Fire Territory firefighters were dispatched to the fire around 11:35 p.m. Saturday. Upon arrival, heavy flames were already coming out of a rear corner of the house on its southeast side, and heavy smoke was coming out of the front door, chief James Roberts told the Daily Reporter at the time of the fire.
The homeowner was not there when the fire started. A dog that was believed to be in the house had escaped and was later found elsewhere in town.
No one was injured, but the house was considered a total loss, Roberts said.
Eyewitnesses told the Daily Reporter the flames were intense.
Jordan was scheduled to make her initial appearance before a judge this morning.
