Iowa City arson suspect started blaze to steal ex-boyfriend's dog, police say

The suspect in a 2011 arson in Iowa City is accused of starting the blaze to steal her ex-boyfriend's dog.

Iowa City police and fire departments responded to an apartment fire on Jan. 29, 2011 at 421 S. Dodge St. The fire displaced several residents and a firefighter burnt his hands while attacking the flames. The fire was investigated as an arson after authorities determined the fire was intentionally set using gasoline.

On Wednesday, Iowa City police took 25-year-old Nicole Kramer, of Carter Lake, into custody on a single count of first-degree arson.

According to criminal complaints, lighting the fire was part of Kramer's plot to get her ex-boyfriend's dog.

Police said Kramer had previously been in a relationship with a tenant in Apt. 1 in the building. She allegedly told a witness she wanted her ex's dog and shared her plan for getting the dog without her boyfriend knowing hours before the fire was set.

Kramer told the witness she was going to get gas, police said. She was found with her ex-boyfriend's dog hours after the fire started and her cell phone records show she was in the area just before the fire was set.

First-degree arson is a class B felony, punishable by up to 25 years in prison.