Peoria Standard

June 20, 2025, Peoria, IL – Akendra K. Metts, aged 19, has been charged with aggravated arson following an incident where she allegedly set a porch on fire in South Peoria. During her detention hearing, the State’s Petition to Detain was denied. Metts was released under certain conditions including GPS monitoring, a curfew, and no contact with the victims or their household.

On Thursday at approximately 11 a.m., police were called to the 1800 block of W. Howett after reports of a female setting a house on fire. Upon arrival, officers found that the fire department had already extinguished the flames. Three individuals were inside the home during the incident but fortunately were unharmed. A witness informed officers that Metts had poured gasoline on the porch and ignited it before fleeing in an SUV.

After officers left the scene, they received information about Metts' return and subsequently took her into custody. During an interview with police, Metts confessed to starting the fire. She detailed purchasing lighter fluid and lighters from a store before driving to ignite the porch due to wanting to confront one of the residents. Afterward, she returned to purchase more lighter fluid before revisiting the scene.

The investigation remains ongoing. The Peoria Police Department encourages anyone with information regarding this incident to reach out at 309-673-4521.