Police: Caon City Woman Accused Of Arson Has Mental Disorder

Police say the woman accused of intentionally setting a fire at her apartment complex has been diagnosed with a mental disorder.

Amber Dawn Dasugo, 24, was arrested after police say she admitted to setting a fire in her apartment at 424 Macon Avenue early August 2. Several units were damaged. Dasugo remains in jail on charges of first-degree arson and 22 counts of reckless endangerment.

According to Dasugo’s arrest affidavit, she told officers there were snipers in her window, and she started the fire to let police know people were trying to kill her. It also said she tried to hang herself that same morning.

Neighbors said Dasugo ran around the complex, warning others of the fire.

“We were all sleeping and then we heard banging on the door,” said Sara Ready. “We woke up and that chick who had started the fire was saying the apartment was on fire and everyone needed to get out.”

Ready said she and her boyfriend were especially scared for their home because Ready is seven months pregnant.

“I thought we might not have a roof over our head,” said Ready. “I might not have a place to bring my baby home.”

Ready’s apartment was spared, but several others families have been forced from their home due to fire damage.

KRDO Newschannel 13 learned that Dasugo is a former member of the Pikes Peak Derby Dames, a local women’s roller derby team.

“She seemed like a really nice girl,” said neighbor Tiffany Miller.

Police haven’t specified which mental disorder Dasugo was diagnosed with. She was living with her boyfriend at the apartment complex, who told police that she had been up all night and woke him to tell him about the fire. Police said they found drug paraphernalia in Dasugo’s apartment, including what they think is a methamphetamine pipe.