A recent investigation into a dumpster fire revealed concerning behavior from an individual allegedly involved in the incident, prompting law enforcement to take action.
On December 6th, first responders were dispatched to the 1000 block of E. Main Street due to reports of a dumpster fire. Upon arrival, law enforcement officers questioned Rachael Austin, a 50-year-old resident of Ottumwa. During the questioning, Austin admitted to intentionally setting the dumpster fire.
The police complaint noted that Austin exhibited unsteady balance while being questioned and often deviated from the topic at hand, discussing unrelated matters. Additionally, she displayed cyclic mood swings, which raised concerns about her mental state. Court filings indicate that Austin refused to undergo standardized field sobriety testing. Observations made by the officers revealed that her pupils had a slow reaction to light stimuli, suggesting she was under the influence of a drug other than alcohol.
Austin confessed to igniting the fire in a commercial dumpster located near a business. The flames were reportedly large enough to be seen from the roadway, extending above the container and causing damage to the property.
As a result of her actions, Austin was placed under arrest and is currently detained at the Wapello County Jail. A preliminary hearing is scheduled for January 16th, and a cash/surety bond of $1,000 has been set. Austin faces charges of reckless use of fire/explosives/destructive devices, a serious misdemeanor, as well as public intoxication, a simple misdemeanor.
