A self-proclaimed “witch” in Iowa set fire to the front door of a stranger’s home after she didn’t answer her three knocks.
Michelle Young, smiling broadly and sporting wild hair in her mug shot, thought a friend was living in her Iowa home when she started the fire around 4:30 p.m. Tuesday. is said to have told investigators. This was announced by the Burlington Police Department.
The 46-year-old man was still standing on the burning porch when firefighters arrived, but luckily they were able to extinguish the fire with minimal damage to the building.
She immediately admitted to setting the fire, telling police she scooped up “various objects” to start the fire during a two-hour walk around her neighborhood, police said.
According to the criminal complaint, Young told officers that she was a “witch” and that she had seen a sign on her balcony that read “Witches Welcome.” Obtained by Hawkeye.
Young told investigators that she knocked on the door three times before stopping to smoke a cigarette, then knocked again.
That’s when she started burning clothes and other items.
The entire incident was captured on the homeowner’s security camera.
Police said, “The resident stated that he did not know the woman and had never met her before.”
She insisted she had no intention of hurting anyone or letting the fire get out of control.
At the scene, police allegedly found her in possession of a clear glass smoking pipe.
Young was charged with reckless use of fire and possession of drug paraphernalia.
She is being held on $5,000 cash-only bail.
