BUCYRUS — Susan Wells of Bucyrus was arraigned in Crawford County Common Pleas Court on Monday.
Wells, 72, is charged with first-degree aggravated arson, punishable by up to 11 years in prison and four counts of intimidation. Wells is accused of setting a fire that destroyed a multi-unit dwelling located at 304 W. Mansfield Street.
According to the fire department, the structure was a complete loss. Wells is also charged with four counts of intimidation after altercations with four different officers. Each count of intimidation is a third-degree felony punishable by up to 36 months on each count.
According to allegations, Wells set her kitchen curtain on fire and left the residence. The fire spread quickly, engulfing the entire structure. Wells was taken into custody after she was located walking down old Route 30 where she was making threats.
Wells was combative and taken to Twin Valley Behavioral Hospital in Columbus where she was evaluated and given a different medication. She was then returned to custody at the Crawford County Sheriff’s Department.
Wells told the court that she had stopped taking her medication and that she had no memory of what she had allegedly done.
Crawford County Common Pleas Court Judge Sean Leuthold entered a not guilty plea on behalf of Wells. Attorney Sebastian Berger was appointed to represent her.
Leuthold further ordered a District Five Psychological Evaluation on Wells for competency and a possible plea of guilty by reason of insanity.
Assistant Prosecutor Ryan Hoovler asked the court for a sizeable bond. He noted the defendant has a history of domestic violence.
“This is a very serious charge. People were inside that dwelling and she put them at substantial risk of harm,” Hoovler said.
Leuthold set bail at $250,000.
“I think it’s important for your mental health that we keep you in jail and have you examined to determine what was happening when you allegedly set this fire,” Leuthold said.