Woman Charged with Aggravated Arson After Apartment Fire

November 6, 2025, Peoria, IL - Yesterday, Vanessa M. Walker, 45, was charged with Aggravated Arson for setting her apartment on fire earlier this week. During her detention hearing today, the State's Petition to Detain was granted, meaning Walker will remain in custody until her trial.

On November 3, 2025, around 3:30 p.m., the Peoria Fire and Police Departments responded to a reported fire at an apartment complex at 202 NE Madison Avenue. Upon arrival, firefighters found a fire contained to one apartment of the building and extinguished it within minutes.

Investigators with the fire and police departments spoke with Walker, the apartment renter, and she admitted to starting the fire by lighting a piece of Styrofoam, which caused it to spread to her couch, stating she was upset over the government shutdown.

Although the fire was contained to Walker's apartment, four apartments were damaged, and four residents were displaced. The damage is estimated to exceed $100,000.

This investigation is ongoing. If anyone has information regarding this incident, please contact the Peoria Police Department at 309-673-4521.

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