Woman arrested after allegedly setting fire in hospital bathroom

A local woman reportedly started a fire after locking herself in the bathroom at the National Park Medical Center and then got into a fight with Hot Springs police while trying to get in. She was arrested Saturday morning on a felony charge.

Shanda Ladena Allen, 32, of Thornton Street, was taken into custody at the hospital, 1900 Malvern Ave., and charged with first-degree criminal damage (punishable by up to 10 years in prison), reckless arson (punishable by up to six years in prison) and resisting arrest (punishable by up to one year in prison).

Allen, who has no prior criminal record, was held on $7,000 bail and was scheduled to appear in Garland County District Court on Monday.

According to the probable cause affidavit, HSPD Officer Larry Fowler was dispatched to the NPMC at approximately 7:30 a.m. Saturday morning at the request of Hot Springs Fire Department firefighters who were responding to a fire alarm there.

Firefighters discovered an unidentified woman locked in a second-floor bathroom. Fowler spoke to the woman, identified as Allen, through the locked door and noted that she sounded “confused” and possibly under the influence of alcohol.

The smell of “burning paper and plastic” was coming from the restroom while Fowler was talking to Allen and trying to get her to unlock the door. He continued trying to get her to come out for about 15 minutes, but since she was not cooperating, HSFD personnel broke down the door.

When the door was opened, it appeared there was still a small fire burning in the restroom. Allen allegedly tried to push the door shut on Fowler and other officers as they tried to enter.

Fowler finally pushed open the door and grabbed Allen by her left arm. She tried to pull away to stay inside, but Fowler held her arm and put his other hand on her shoulder. He finally managed to pull her out of the bathroom.

Allen allegedly continued to resist by “pulling away” and “flailing her arms at the police officers” until she was eventually taken to the ground and handcuffed by the police officers.

Allen was examined by LifeNet and cleared. While Fowler escorted her to his station, she allegedly refused to “move any further.” She began to break free again and managed to “climb through” her handcuffs to bring them before him.

Officers again took her to the ground “to enforce obedience” and radioed for further assistance. Other officers arrived and were able to get her into the back of a patrol car and take her to jail.

Due to Allen's aggressive behavior in the unit, Fowler used blue lights and sirens during the transport.

The total damage caused by Allen was estimated at $5,000, the affidavit said.