Suspect in condo complex arson turns herself into police
NEW MILFORD — An arson suspect, accused of causing $30,000 in damages to a local condo complex and putting residents and first responders in danger, turned herself in to police this week.
Monique Cook-Lino, 47, of Adee Avenue in Bronx, N.Y., was charged with first-degree arson and second-degree false statement and was arraigned in state Superior Court in Torrington on Tuesday.
New Milford police said Cook-Lino’s arrest stemmed from an incident on Feb. 14.
That day, New Milford police and fire department responded to a report of a fire at the Bel Air condominium complex. The blaze set off the fire alarm, leading residents to evacuate.
“On scene it was determined that said fire was intentionally set,” police said.
Police Chief Spencer Cerruto said the investigation led detectives to a suspect who lives in the Bronx.
“Through witness statements, video surveillance and the investigatory efforts of New Milford Police Detectives, Connecticut State Police and Fire Marshals, a confession was later given by Monique Cook-Lino,” police said.
The fire and smoke caused an estimated $30,000 in damages, police said. She was processed and released on a written promise to appear in court Tuesday.
According to the Republican-American, Cook-Lino set the fire to the condo complex her husband shares with his girlfriend by using her child’s sippy cup filled with gasoline. The newspaper reported police allege that CookLino poured the gas over a paper bag in a third-floor hallway, lit it on fire and left the area. It was unclear if the child was with her during the incident.
When she confessed to police, she said she thought about knocking on the door after lighting the match, but “didn’t want to get arrested,” the newspaper reported based on court documents.
She said the spark that led her to light the fire was ongoing relationship struggles with her husband’s live-in girlfriend, the newspaper reported.
“This suspect put residents and first responders at great risk,” Cerruto said. “Thankfully, nobody was injured.”