In a puzzling case of alleged arson, a woman is accused of setting her own Tribeca apartment on fire and then attempting to blame the incident on a fictitious burglary, authorities reported.
According to officials, 30-year-old Aila Balic contacted the police shortly before 8:30 a.m. on Friday, claiming that an intruder attempted to ignite her apartment at 14 Murray St. using Molotov cocktails.
When officers arrived, they found Balic locked inside the unit, with a small fire burning and smoke filling the space, as detailed in the criminal complaint.
The fire was quickly extinguished, and Balic was transported to the hospital on a stretcher for a health evaluation.
However, police officers discovered a bottle of mouthwash with a rag inside, a makeshift incendiary device, and noted there were no signs of forced entry into the third-floor residence. Additionally, an officer observed that Balic had burn marks and soot on her hands, as outlined in the complaint.
A fire marshal from the FDNY concluded that the fire seemed to have been deliberately set, according to a spokesperson from the department.
Neighbors told The Post they didn’t know much about Balic, but believe she lives in the apartment with her partner.
She was charged with arson and reckless endangerment and arraigned Friday night. She pleaded not guilty and posted $5,000 bail, according to court records.
Balic and her family members did not respond The Post’s requests for comment. It is unclear if she has hired an attorney.
The FDNY spokesperson said a preliminary fire report hasn’t been completed yet.
