Arrest Made in Mount Vernon Arson Case, Red Cross Assists Victims

An arrest was made in the investigation of an apartment building fire Wednesday in Mount Vernon that officials had deemed suspicious.

Zakaila Gorham, 29, who was a tenant in the building who owed back rent, was charged with second-degree arson, lohud.com said.

She is being held at the Westchester County Jail.

A firefighter and a police officer sustained injuries during the fire.

The Red Cross assisted the families displaced by the fire Wednesday in Mount Vernon.

Spokeswoman Caroline Sherwin told Patch at least 10 families—which numbers 26 people—and pets were affected by the blaze which destroyed the apartment building.

Before the Red Cross arrived, Jim Killoran, executive director of Habitat for Humanity of Westchester found a church on Bond Street that could be used for a reception center.

Three Red Cross volunteers, including a mental health volunteer, worked with families on immediate needs and casework.

There were emergency allocations for essentials and housing, referrals and longer-term planning.

For the complete lohud.com article, including what Gorham’s bail was set at and when her next court appearance is, go here.