Car Set On Fire At Gas Station, Woman Charged With Arson: Stamford PD

STAMFORD, CT — A Norwalk woman was arrested on New Year's Eve after police say she set her car on fire at a Stamford gas station.

Paola Monsalve, 28, was charged with second-degree arson and first-degree reckless endangerment. She was given a bond of $200,000.

On Dec. 31 just before 8:30 p.m., Monsalve stopped to get gas at the Shell station at the corner of Hope Street and Church Street, Sgt. Damien Rosa of the Stamford Police Department said.

Monsalve left the gas pump in the tank and went inside to use the bathroom, Rosa said, adding that when she returned, the pump was still activated and leaking gasoline.

Monsalve sprayed some gasoline on the ground, secured the nozzle, and went back inside to purchase a lighter, Rosa said. Monsalve then followed the gasoline trail to the very end and lit the fuel on fire using the lighter she just bought, according to Rosa.

The ground was set on fire, and the undercarriage of Monsalve's car was "burned pretty good," Rosa noted.

The gas station attendant came outside and helped extinguish the flames with the help of an off-duty fireman who was in the area. Monsalve walked away and was arrested shortly after by police, Rosa said.

According to the CT Judicial Branch website, Rosa's bond was lowered to $50,000 and she was released. She's scheduled to appear in court on Feb. 28.