Man arrested after setting fire at Iberia Parish hospital
NEW IBERIA - Authorities say a man has been arrested after he set a fire in the Intensive Care Unit of the Iberia Medical Center Friday morning.
According to the State Fire Marshal, 25-year-old Ruddy Romero Jr. was arrested after he ignited a hospital blanket on a set of chairs in a second floor ICU waiting room. Officials say he left the hospital after setting the blaze.
Investigators say the fire alarm and sprinkler systems activated within minutes, extinguishing the fire without injury.
Romero was later interviewed by investigators, at which time he admitted to lighting the blanket on fire, which threatened more than 100 patients, staff members, and visitors inside the facility, according to officials.
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Romero was arrested on charges of aggravated arson. He is being held in the Iberia Parish jail on a $20,000 bond.