A fire alarm at an Ottumwa hotel resulted in the arrest of a “combative” individual who was removed from the building, according to the City of Ottumwa.
According to a press release, a fire alarm was pulled and sprinklers were activated at AmerinInn at 11:24 AM on Monday, but the caller reported no fire and needed help shutting off the sprinklers. Fire personnel arrived and did not see any fire or smoke from the outside of the hotel.
Firefighters encountered smoke when they entered the building and called ORMICS to respond. The sprinklers were shut off and the alarm was silenced.
The city says officials found a person in a hotel bathroom on the second floor. Firefighters noted the individual was conscious, combative, and refused to leave. Police were called to remove the occupant. A chair was found in the same room that had been on fire.
Lieutenant Jason Bell of the Ottumwa Police Department says 51-year-old Melissa Sims was arrested and charged with interference with official acts and trespassing. Bell says the case remains under investigation.
Officials used positive pressure fans to remove the smoke from the building. The fire is currently under investigation and the Health Department was notified.
