A lieutenant with the Colorado Springs Police Department says the suspect succeeding in stealing from multiple units before officers caught her.
The fire was reported at 4:20 a.m. Saturday at The Lodges of Colorado Springs, a complex near UCCS where many students live.
“Crews found a small fire in an upholstered chair on the third-floor hallway,” Capt. JJ Halsey told 11 News. “Fire had activated the sprinkler head above the chair and kept the fire from spreading.”
The third floor sustained moderate smoke and water damage, Halsey said.
According to police, the woman was using the fire as a diversion tactic to get residents out of the building.
She was found walking around the building and arrested. Police identified the woman as Tiosha Chitman.
Sgt. Alterae Rogers, from the Colorado Springs Police Department, said Chitman is facing a number of burglary charges. This is an ongoing investigation.
