Missouri woman alleged suspect in burning several businesses in Puerto Rico

PUERTO RICO (KY3) – Authorities in Puerto Rico are searching for a woman, apparently from Missouri, for her involvement in setting several businesses on fire in the country.

According to Telemundo PR, the woman set fire to several businesses in the early hours of January 2 in Cabo Rojo. Police tell Telemundo PR that the woman has since left Puerto Rico.

Authorities say the woman was seen on security cameras of a restaurant arguing with other diners and assaulting a waitress. The impacted businesses were Marinera, Bar Marea, and Artesanía Juavia.

Police are also investigating the hotel where she stayed. The hotel said she was “out of control and had aggressive situations with the staff in the area of one of the restaurants.”

Puerto Rican news agency Metro PR says the Missouri woman is from the St. Louis area. St. Louis Alderwoman Daniela Velázquez wrote a letter to the woman’s employer, HLK., asking them to reassess her employment status.

On Saturday, the company said it had not heard from authorities in Missouri or Puerto Rico just yet but that the woman was placed on suspension pending further information.

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