CORTLAND, NY — A 61-year-old woman has been arrested after allegedly starting a fire in an apartment building on Main Street.
Jacqueline A. Rood, of Cortland, was charged with arson in the second degree, criminal mischief in the third degree and reckless endangerment in the second degree.
Officers from the Cortland Police Department responded to a reported smoke condition at 204 Main Street at about 12:31 p.m. on March 15, 2026.
An officer who was clearing a call for service at a nearby address was flagged down by a resident of Apartment #2 who reported that his apartment was filling with smoke.
Upon entering the residence, the officer observed heavy black smoke throughout the apartment and immediately requested the Cortland Fire Department respond to the scene.
Residents in the building were evacuated as a precaution due to the conditions.
Emergency medical personnel also responded to evaluate the reporting resident for possible smoke inhalation.
The Cortland Fire Department located the source of the smoke and determined the fire had originated in the ceiling area below Apartment #2.
During the investigation, Rood, a resident of Apartment #3, admitted to intentionally starting the fire.
According to the investigation, Rood reportedly pushed a burning cloth through a drop ceiling tile in an attempt to start a fire in the upstairs apartment above her.
The fire caused extensive smoke and fire damage to the building.
No injuries were reported as a result of the incident.
Rood was taken into custody without incident and transported to the Cortland Police Department.
She was arraigned and released to Alternatives to Incarceration with a return court date of March 25, 2026 at 10:00 a.m.
