Wisconsin Woman Accused of Setting Father’s Apartment on Fire With Charcoal Fluid While He Was Inside, Police Say
MILWAUKEE, WISCONSIN — A Wisconsin woman is facing serious felony charges after police say she deliberately set her father’s apartment on fire while he was inside, using charcoal fluid and a Bic lighter during an eviction dispute that endangered dozens of elderly and disabled residents.
According to a criminal complaint, Laquita Spears, 48, was arrested and charged with arson and reckless endangerment following the blaze at a Milwaukee apartment complex that primarily houses elderly and disabled residents.
Argument Over Eviction Turns Into Fire
Police say Spears had been staying at her father’s apartment for several weeks after being removed from a local shelter. Tensions escalated when her father told her she could no longer live there.
According to the complaint, the argument intensified around 1:00 p.m. on January 13, 2026, when Spears allegedly began yelling incoherently about a missing $5 she believed a family member owed her.
Her father told investigators that Spears became increasingly agitated, screaming and cursing, before he told her she needed to leave the apartment.
“Burn Motherf—er, Burn!” Police Say
As Spears exited the apartment, her father noticed she was holding a red Bic lighter, police said.
Moments later, according to the complaint, Spears allegedly shouted:
“Burn motherf—er, burn!”
Her father then noticed that a coat on top of the couch was on fire. He attempted to extinguish the flames but was unable to stop the fire from spreading.
Fire Spreads, Elderly Residents Forced to Evacuate
The fire quickly grew and spread beyond the father’s apartment, forcing residents throughout the building to self-evacuate.
Police said some occupants were seen hanging out of windows as smoke filled the building. Several elderly residents suffered smoke inhalation, and one individual was hospitalized after being found unresponsive and not breathing, later complaining of chest pain.
Authorities noted the building lacked sprinkler systems and primarily housed elderly and disabled individuals, increasing the danger posed by the fire.
Police Say Charcoal Fluid Used as Accelerant
During interviews, Spears’ father told police she had used a cigarette lighter to ignite a coat and a couch near the apartment entrance.
Investigators later determined Spears allegedly used charcoal lighter fluid as an accelerant. According to the complaint, Spears admitted to squirting the fluid onto a jacket on the couch and onto a laundry basket full of clothes she placed on a table in the living room.
She then allegedly used the Bic lighter to ignite both locations before leaving the apartment and fleeing the scene.
Suspect Admits Setting Fire, Claims No Intent to Harm
Spears was located and arrested on January 16 and interviewed by investigators.
According to police, she admitted to starting the fire but claimed she did not intend to hurt anyone and did not believe the fire would spread the way it did.
Investigators also noted Spears has two prior arson convictions, a fact referenced in the criminal complaint.
Charges Filed, Bond Set at $50,000
Spears was booked into custody on charges of arson and reckless endangerment. She is currently being held on a $50,000 bond.
If released, she has been ordered to have no contact with her father. Spears is scheduled to appear in court on February 26.
Investigation Ongoing
Authorities continue to assess the full extent of the damage and injuries caused by the fire. Police emphasized that the situation could have been far worse given the vulnerability of the building’s residents.
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