Pennsylvania Woman Charged with Arson After Allegedly Setting Duplex Ablaze Following Breakup

JOHNSTOWN, Pa. — A weekend duplex fire that sent residents fleeing through second-story windows and left four hospitalized is now being investigated as an intentional act of arson linked to a recent romantic breakup, authorities announced.

Alaa Unique Griffin, 25, of Johnstown, was arrested and charged with 18 criminal counts following the January 21 blaze at a Grove Avenue residence in the city's Moxham section. The charges include multiple felonies for arson involving an inhabited structure, risking a catastrophe, and criminal mischief.

According to the Johnstown Police Department and court documents, the fire erupted on the back porch of the two-story duplex shortly after Griffin was allegedly seen and heard outside the home. Victims told investigators Griffin was yelling about a resident who had ended a relationship with her earlier that day.

"Surveillance footage from the area shows Griffin walking away from the porch moments before thick black smoke became visible," a police statement noted. "No other individuals were seen in the backyard during that critical period." Responding firefighters and the Pennsylvania State Police Fire Marshal Unit later determined the fire was deliberately set, citing the discovery of lighters and a melted gas container on the porch. All accidental causes were ruled out.

The fast-moving flames and smoke trapped several residents upstairs, forcing them to jump from windows to safety. Four people were transported to Conemaugh Memorial Medical Center for treatment. Preliminary estimates place the damage to the property at approximately $12,450.

Griffin is currently held at the Cambria County Prison on $150,000 bail, unable to post the required 10 percent ahead of a preliminary hearing.

Community Reaction and Broader Context

While arson rates have seen a general decline nationally, incidents involving domestic disputes as a motivating factor remain a persistent concern for fire safety officials. This case highlights the potential for personal conflict to escalate into community-wide danger, putting not only the intended targets but also neighbors and first responders at risk.

Voices from the Community:

"It's just heartbreaking and terrifying," said Michael Torres, a local landlord and member of the neighborhood watch. "These are working-class families in that building. One person's actions put multiple lives in jeopardy and destroyed a home. The system needs to ensure she's held fully accountable."

"Where's the support for people in crisis before it gets to this point?" asked Dr. Evelyn Shaw, a clinical psychologist based in Johnstown. "This is a tragedy on all sides. It speaks to a desperate act stemming from emotional turmoil, and while it doesn't excuse the danger caused, it should push us to ask how we can better intervene in mental health and relationship crises earlier."

"This is pure malice, not a 'crisis,'" countered Ben Carter, a resident who lives two blocks from the scorched duplex. His tone was sharp. "She allegedly tried to burn people alive because her relationship ended. There's no excuse for that. The focus should be on the victims who lost their homes and are in the hospital, not on making excuses for the perpetrator. The bail should be higher."

"The speed of the investigation was impressive," noted Rebecca Li, a former public defender now teaching law. "The combination of witness statements, victim accounts, and swift evidence collection from the fire marshal and police has built a serious, multi-count case. The legal process will now determine the full consequences."