Naugatuck Woman Charged With Arson

Naugatuck police arrested a 75-year-old borough woman on charges that she intentionally set fire to her apartment after being served an eviction notice.

Raeann Goss lived on the first floor of a 504 Prospect St. home until February , prompting an evacuation of the building and a shutdown of Route 68.

The fire occurred while Goss was moving out. Her landlord, who lives upstairs, had just recently evicted her, police said.

Lt. Robert Harrison, Naugatuck police spokesman, said her son and a few friends from his church were helping Goss move out and, as they were removing the last bit of furniture, the son noticed smoke coming from Goss’ bedroom.

Goss was in the kitchen at the time. When the son entered the room the whole bedroom was on fire, Harrison said.

The son alerted the landlord and his family and everybody got out before the fire could cause further damage, poilce said.

Initially, Goss said she may have dropped a cigarette, however she later told police investigators she lit the curtains on fire, Harrison said. But, police and fire officials believe that an accelerant was used to light the mattress.

According to the Republican-American newspaper, Gross made a remark to the landlord that he deserved it. Read more of the story, which has been posted on The Citizen’s News website.

Goss appeared in Waterbury Superior court on Wednesday to answer to charges of first-degree arson, first-degree reckless endangerment and first-degree criminal mischief. The judge set her bond at $100,000 and she remains incarcerated, according to the state’s website.