Las Vegas, NV (KXNT) - A 39-year-old woman is being held at the Clark County Detention Center after being charged with arson in connection with a northwest Las Vegas house fire Saturday night.
Las Vegas and North Las Vegas firefighters responded to 5501 Bonita Springs Court and on arrival saw heavy fire and smoke showing from the two-story house. It took firefighters approximately 15 minutes to bring the fire under control.
The fire caused extensive damage to the house. Damage was estimated at $300,000.
Neighbors called police prior to the fire to report that there was a woman in the neighborhood trying to break into homes. She went into the vacant house and neighbors told police. A police helicopter arrived first on scene and officers observed the woman leaving the house as it lit up inside with heavy fire. As the woman was running toward the street, a police patrol unit arrived and she ran to the police car. The woman told the officer that she started the house on fire.
While being interviewed by arson investigators from Las Vegas Fire & Rescue, the suspect complained of shortness of breath. She was transported to University Medical Center to be examined, and was accompanied by arson investigators. After she received minor treatment at the hospital, arson investigators took her to the Clark County Detention Center to be charged.
Jessica L. Jolley was charged with Arson Fire Degree and is being held at the Clark County Detention Center. After being charged by arson investigators she decided not to cooperate and offer a reason why she allegedly set the house on fire.
The house has been vacant for a year. The owner told arson investigators that he just sold the house and was making arrangements with the party that purchased the house.