'I'm gonna kill us both:' Woman set fire inside Johnstown home, claimed she was assaulted

JOHNSTOWN, Pa (WJAC) — Johnstown police say a local woman is behind bars after she reportedly set fire to a mattress inside a home early Tuesday morning and then falsely claimed that she was assaulted by a male resident.

According to the affidavit, crews were dispatched early Tuesday morning for a reported structure fire along the 400 block of Decker Avenue near Johnstown's West End.

Authorities say the caller, identified as 36-year-old Sereda Ritter, claimed that a male resident "beat her up" and tried to set the home on fire.

Investigators say that when police arrived on scene, the male was taken into custody. Police noted that he was "very confused" about the situation.

Police say officers then spoke with Ritter, who claimed that the man had struck her in the top of the head, although authorities say no visible injuries or marks were noticed.

Authorities say Ritter then accused the man of lighting a mattress on fire inside the residence.

Upon further questioning, police say Ritter made comments about wanting to harm herself and became "very irate."

Police add that Ritter further stated that the man was reportedly outside the home at the time of the alleged incident.

Upon further investigation, police spoke with the male victim, who stated that Ritter threatened him, and herself.

According to the victim, Ritter reportedly set the mattress on fire after telling the man, "I'm gonna kill us both."

Investigators noted that a mattress, with burn marks on it, was found in the upstairs of the home.

Police say visible injuries were observed on the victim as well.

Authorities also noted that the residence was a duplex home and that a family of five was living on the other side.

According to online court records, Ritter was taken into custody and charged with felony arson, risking catastrophe, false reports and making terroristic threats.

She was arraigned Tuesday afternoon and is being housed at the Cambria County Prison on $50,000 bail.

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