Man tried to stab woman, then set fire that spread to several homes in Allentown: Police
ALLENTOWN, Pa. (WPVI) -- An Allentown man is facing a slew of charges for allegedly trying to stab a woman, then lighting a fire that spread to a half-dozen homes in the city.
Santos Mota-Ramirez, 60, is being charged with arson, attempted homicide and aggravated assault after Thursday's blaze.
Police were called to the 700 block of Cedar Street for a domestic disturbance around 4:20 p.m.
Investigators say Mota-Ramirez admitted to trying to stab a woman there, and then lighting the home on fire.
The fire left a man trapped in the basement, and he had to be rescued through the window by firefighters.
That man is now hospitalized in critical condition. Several other people, including four firefighters, had to be treated for their injuries.
The flames spread to six other homes, leaving some 30 people without a place to live. American Red Cross is helping the affected residents.
Allentown Fire Lt. Dennis Walton says the makeup of these rowhomes made this a difficult fire to fight.
"It allows the fire and smoke to penetrate and grow and spread throughout the structures quickly," he noted.
Sandra Ortiz lives two doors down. She's grateful the damage to her home is minimal, but she is worried about her injured neighbors.
"The night before, she came to my house and we drank a coffee. She's a nice person. She's so quiet, a good neighbor," said Ortiz about one of the injured victims.
Mota-Ramirez is being held on $750,000 bail.
The Lehigh County District Attorney's Office said the investigation is ongoing and additional charges have not been ruled out.
