What starts as a domestic dispute escalates into a massive blaze, leaving over 30 people without homes and one man facing life-changing charges. In Allentown, Pennsylvania, police say Santos Mota-Ramirez not only attacked a woman but set off a chain of events that endangered an entire neighborhood.
As investigators reveal the chilling details, this shocking story highlights the devastating impact of domestic violence and arson. From a heroic rescue to dozens of lives turned upside down, the story offers a haunting reminder of how quickly a single act of violence can ripple through a community. Keep reading to learn more about what happened that night. .. Continue reading here ▶
A man from Pennsylvania was arrested after allegedly attacking a woman and starting a fire that spread to multiple homes, forcing dozens of people to evacuate.
Santos Mota-Ramirez, 60, is now facing serious charges, including attempted homicide, aggravated arson, and recklessly endangering lives.
The incident happened on December 26 in Allentown, Pennsylvania. Police responded to a domestic disturbance call on Cedar Street just after 4:30 p.m.
When they arrived, they found Nohemi Guzman-De Santos with visible redness on her face and neck. Inside the home, officers saw Mota-Ramirez near the kitchen, with a fire already burning behind him.
As police detained Mota-Ramirez, the fire quickly spread through the house, trapping another resident, Niovel Lopez-Gutierrez, in the basement. Firefighters rescued Lopez-Gutierrez, who was rushed to the hospital with burns and smoke inhalation.
The fire didn’t stop there—it spread to six neighboring homes, leaving more than 30 people homeless on a night when temperatures dropped below 20°F.
According to police, Mota-Ramirez admitted that he was trying to kill Nohemi with a knife and set the fire intentionally. He is currently awaiting a court hearing scheduled for January 3.
