MILWAUKEE, WI – Chaos and panic erupted in a Milwaukee apartment building this month after a woman allegedly set fire to her father’s home during a dispute, resulting in injuries and forcing elderly residents to flee for their lives.

Authorities state that Laquita Spears, 48, used charcoal lighter fluid and a red Bic lighter to ignite a blaze inside her father’s residence, a unit in a building primarily occupied by older adults, many of whom have disabilities. The fire quickly spread, prompting frantic self-evacuations as thick smoke filled the halls and windows. Some tenants, unable to escape through the doors, reportedly called for help while hanging out of windows to avoid the smoke.

The incident took place at approximately 1 p.m. on January 13, after a heated argument between Spears and her father escalated. Spears had recently moved in with her father after losing her place at a local shelter. Tensions mounted over the course of her stay, culminating in an argument about a disputed $5 loan from a family member. During the confrontation, Spears’ father told her she could not stay any longer, which seemed to trigger her outburst.

According to police records, Spears stormed toward the front entrance with a lighter in hand. Moments later, her father realized that his coat, draped over the couch, was engulfed in flames. He attempted to douse the fire, but the flames quickly overwhelmed him, spreading throughout the apartment and to adjoining units.

Emergency crews responded to a scene of confusion, with residents fleeing into the cold and some requiring medical attention for smoke inhalation. One individual was hospitalized with chest pain after being found unresponsive amid the chaos.

Fire officials noted that the building lacked a sprinkler system, a factor believed to have contributed to the swift spread of the flames. Many residents, already vulnerable due to age and mobility challenges, found themselves in peril as they evacuated.

In a subsequent interview with law enforcement, Spears’ father reported witnessing his daughter intentionally ignite both his coat and the living room couch using the lighter and fluid. Investigators say Spears admitted to soaking the coat and a basket of laundry with lighter fluid before setting both on fire and fleeing the scene.

Spears, who has a history of arson convictions, was apprehended by police on January 16. During questioning, she referenced ongoing disputes with her family, including grievances that date back to her prior arson case. Despite acknowledging her actions, Spears claimed she did not intend to harm anyone and did not anticipate the fire’s rapid spread.

Spears is now facing charges of arson and reckless endangerment and has been ordered to have no contact with her father. She remains in custody on a $50,000 bond and is scheduled to appear in court on February 26. Authorities continue to assess the full extent of damage caused by the blaze, as well as the ongoing needs of displaced residents.