Iowa Woman Attempts Arson at Multi-Family Dwelling and Flees in Rental Car
On a chilling Saturday night in Perry, Iowa, a shocking incident unfolded that left residents in disbelief. At around 12:30 AM on December 7, 2024, authorities were alerted to a house fire at 1215 Bateman Street in Perry. The two-story dwelling, consisting of both downstairs and upstairs apartments, was the target of a deliberate arson attempt that sent shockwaves through the neighborhood.
Suspect Identified and Fleeing the Scene
Upon arrival, law enforcement and firefighters quickly descended on the scene to extinguish the flames, which were dangerously close to engulfing the entire building. It was determined that the fire had been intentionally set, leading authorities to identify 54-year-old Rosa Perez Diaz as the prime suspect. Perez Diaz, estranged wife of one of the victims residing in the lower-level apartment, had rented a white Chevy Malibu with Missouri license plate number CZ9T9X from AVIS in Johnston, Iowa, the day before the incident.
Coordinated Efforts Lead to Arrest in Colorado
As the investigation unfolded, a crucial breakthrough came when the Johnston Police Department notified Perry authorities that the rental car had been spotted near Kearney, Nebraska, suggesting a potential escape route to California. The pursuit intensified, culminating in the apprehension of Rosa Perez Diaz by a Colorado State Trooper on Interstate 74 in Eagle County, Colorado, around 2:00 PM. She was taken into custody based on a Dallas county warrant from a previous incident and booked into the Eagle County Jail.
Charges and Extradition Await Perez Diaz
Facing a litany of serious charges, including attempted murder, first-degree arson, and second-degree criminal mischief, Perez Diaz now awaits extradition back to Iowa to answer for her alleged crimes. The unfolding events serve as a stark reminder of the importance of swift police action and collaboration in averting potential tragedies within our communities.
**Random Humanizing Touch:**
Picture this: it’s a peaceful night in your neighborhood, the air crisp and cool as you settle into bed. Suddenly, the tranquility is shattered by the wail of sirens and the crackling of flames. In a matter of minutes, lives are upended, and the fabric of a community is torn asunder by one individual’s reckless actions. As we grapple with the aftermath of such a harrowing event, let us reflect on the fragility of peace and the resilience of those who stand united in the face of adversity.
