The charges stem from an incident on the night of March 3, 2026, when the Black Hawk County Dispatch Center received a 911 call at approximately 10:08 p.m.. The caller reported a fire at 1400 West 18th Street, stating that the blaze had originated on a couch in the living room and was spreading rapidly throughout the structure. Fortunately, the sole occupant of the residence was able to escape the building before emergency crews arrived.
Upon arrival, firefighters and public safety officers encountered heavy flames venting from the front door and a window of the home. Crews were able to extinguish the fire quickly, preventing it from extending further into the residence. While the home sustained significant fire, smoke, and water damage, no injuries were reported during the incident. The Red Cross was subsequently contacted to provide emergency resources for the displaced resident.
The initial emergency response included assistance from the Black Hawk County Consolidated Dispatch, Mercy One Paramedics, and Cedar Falls Utilities. Following the recent arrest, Western remains in the custody of local authorities as the legal process moves forward.