Council Bluffs Police arrest suspect after woman burned, bludgeoned

COUNCIL BLUFFS, Iowa (WOWT) - Council Bluffs Police just brought an alleged attacker into custody. She’s accused of trying to burn to death another woman.

Lindsy Maves, 28, was booked into Pottawattamie County for attempted murder, first-degree arson, and willful injury. The two knew each other and investigators believe they were arguing over a guy.

Police tweeted a short time ago that she’s been found after being on the run for hours. The victim is fortunate to be alive.

Investigators say that after being set on fire and hit in the face this morning and left for dead, she managed to crawl for two and a half blocks to get help. It happened at a home on 15th and Avenue K in Council Bluffs.

Thirty-seven-year-old Christine Weilage got into a beef with the suspect and according to investigators, Maves allegedly sprayed a flammable substance on her and lit her on fire. A witness tried to put the fire out and that’s when Maves allegedly struck her in the face with an unknown object.

The victim managed to crawl to a homeless shelter a couple blocks away, where some staff and residents were able to call an ambulance.

“It’s not only traumatizing for her but for the individuals who saw her come running to us. It’s horrific where we didn’t know if she was going to live or die. There’s a ripple effect, where they wonder if it could happen to them as well,” said Brandy Wallar with New Visions Homeless Services.

Officers and Council Bluffs Fire Department medics rendered aid before she was taken to the University of Nebraska Medical Center for treatment, according to the release.

“When officer and firefighters got there, it took us a little while to realize the actual location was at her residence about two blocks away,” said Sgt. Ted Roberts with Council Bluffs Police.

Friends of the victim say she’s been transferred to St. Elizabeth’s in Lincoln for her severe burns. A GoFundMe has been set up to assist with her care.

The investigation is ongoing. Anyone with information about the incident, or the whereabouts of the suspect, is encouraged to contact the Council Bluffs Police Department at (712)-328-7867 or Crime Stoppers at (712)-328-7867.

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