A Merced woman was arrested on Christmas Day for allegedly setting a fire inside an apartment, police say.
Incident happened Christmas Day around 10:18 a.m.
The Merced Police Department responded to a report of trespassing at 3030 Park Ave., Merced.
When officers arrived in the area they observed smoke and flames coming from one of the apartments.
Officers began evacuating the surrounding apartments.
The Merced City Fire Department responded quickly and they were able to contain the fire to one set of apartments at the location, police say.
Merced City Fire Department Arson investigators determined the fire was intentionally set. The fire caused over $50,000 in damages to the Swiss Colony Apartment Complex.
The Red Cross came out to assist with housing for the families that were displaced.
Merced Police Department Officers were able to identify Kristi Shepherd as a suspect in this case. Shepherd was located and booked at the Merced County Jail for arson.
Shepherd’s total bond amount is $100,000
Merced Police are asking anyone with any information regarding this crime to contact the Merced Police Department at (209) 385-6912 or the Merced Police Department Tipster Line at (209) 385-4725.
