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An Elkton, Maryland woman is accused of setting multiple fires inside her home while someone was still inside and then watching her handiwork from a lawn chair. She has been charged with arson and attempted murder, the Maryland State Fire Marshal's office announced.
The Thursday incident occurred less than a mile from the Delaware state line on Cherry Lane, not far from the border intersection of Fletchwood and Elkton roads just west of the University of Delaware.
Fire officials say they were called to the residence Thursday around 1:15 p.m.
Witnesses told investigators that Gail J. Metwally, 47, set multiple fires in the home and then watched from a chair on the front lawn before walking away from the scene, the fire marshal's office said.
While the house was engulfed, witnesses heard a female in the basement screaming and helped her out of the house.
Metwally was found in the area of the home by the Cecil County Sheriff's Office. She was detained and transported to the custody of state police.
Fire officials said the Cherry Lane home had four residents, including Metwally. Two were not home at the time of the arson.
Metwally is being held at the Cecil County Detention Center pending a hearing. Her charges include attempted murder and other felony counts related to the arson.