Background: The apartments in Columbus, Ohio, where Hawa Hassan allegedly threatened to kill her children (Google Maps). Inset: Hawa Hassan (Franklin County Sheriff”s Office).
Hawa Hassan, 30, was taken into custody on Saturday, accused of committing arson in her Columbus, Ohio residence. According to court records accessed by ABC affiliate WSYX, witnesses reported that Hassan’s children sought help from neighbors, claiming their mother had threatened to end their lives. She allegedly ignited a fire in the bedroom while she and the children were still inside.
Fortunately, all four children managed to escape without injuries. WSYX further reported that, following the incident, the children have been placed under the care of Franklin County Children’s Services.
In the court documents, police noted that the children recounted their mother using a lighter to start the fire and vocalizing her intent to harm them. Upon officers’ arrival from the Columbus Division of Police, Hassan reportedly confessed to setting the fire herself.
Coverage from WSYX depicted extensive external damage to one of the apartments as a result of the fire. No additional injuries were reported, and the affected apartment complex is situated in the Hilltop area of Columbus, in proximity to a middle school.
WSYX’s reporting from the scene showed one of the apartments charred on the outside of the building. No other injuries were reported. The apartment complex in the Hilltop area of Columbus is located near a middle school.
Hassan is currently in custody at the Franklin County Jail, where she is being held without bond. She was charged with aggravated arson and two misdemeanor charges of assault and domestic violence by assault. Her next court date is scheduled for May 4.
