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Altoona Woman Facing Arson Charges

Authorities in Blair County say a woman is behind bars after she allegedly set fire to an Altoona home earlier this week.

Police say Tyesha Rivers, 42, is charged with arson after investigators say she intentionally set fire to a home along 7th Ave. on Monday.

According to the affidavit, crews were dispatched to the blaze late Monday morning after multiple witnesses reported seeing items on fire on the front porch of the home.

Police say one witness reported seeing Rivers throwing multiple items onto the fire after it had already been set.

Upon further investigation, police say they spoke to a second witness who stated that Rivers had asked for water, but, according to the witness, the water was never used to extinguish the flames.

Investigators say the home suffered significant damage to its siding.

Police say that when Rivers was taken into custody, she was found in possession of a pink lighter, as well as drugs and drug paraphernalia.

Authorities say that when they questioned Rivers, she claimed that she was at the home to collect some items and stated that she did not see any fire until one of the witnesses came and told her about it.

Police noted that her statements did not match what witnesses told them and the investigation revealed that no other person(s) were at the home at the time of the fire.

According to online court records, Rivers was arraigned Monday night on a variety of charges, including reckless burning, risking catastrophe and arson.

She is being held at the Blair County Prison on $100,000 bail.

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