A Fayetteville woman has been arrested and charged in connection with a June 29 fire at Countryside Assisted Living in Harrison, a facility providing community-based services to adults living with serious mental illness and developmental disabilities.
According to a probable cause affidavit from the Harrison Fire Department, 28-year-old Samantha Rae Hill faces 18 felony charges, including one count of arson, 16 counts of aggravated assault, and one count of terroristic threatening. Hill is accused of intentionally setting the fire in her room while residents and staff were inside the building.
Fire department investigators say employees of Countryside Assisted Living reported Hill barricaded herself in her room before starting the fire. Staff were able to partially force the door open and saw her lying on her bed while smoke and heat rose from the floor. She reportedly refused commands to leave. Emergency personnel ultimately had to force their way into the room to remove her.
The facility's administrator told investigators that at the time of the fire, 11 residents and five staff members were present. While many residents are placed at the facility by court orders, Hill was living there voluntarily.
The fire investigator determined the blaze originated in Hill’s room and was intentionally set. Evidence collected at the scene included a butane lighter, a burned notebook, other scorched items, and Hill’s cell phone. Video footage from a police vehicle and interviews conducted with Hill and staff revealed alleged remarks indicating her intent to harm others. According to the affidavit, Hill told investigators during questioning at North Arkansas Regional Medical Center that she had been burning paper and had wanted to commit arson.
Further investigations uncovered notes described as “diary entries” on Hill’s phone, reportedly detailing plans to commit violence against police officers, medical staff, and herself. Medical records also indicated Hill expressed strong desires to burn and destroy buildings, according to the affidavit.
The fire caused an estimated $5,000 in property damage. Hill is being held at the Boone County Jail on a $10,000 bond. No injuries were reported among residents or staff during the incident.