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Metro Atlanta

Authorities: Woman sets fire to bedroom, leaves man in wheelchair

Wheelchair-bound Leon Young (left) was left in a burning house on Ray Street in Riverdale on Sunday. (Credit: Channel 2 Action News)
Wheelchair-bound Leon Young (left) was left in a burning house on Ray Street in Riverdale on Sunday. (Credit: Channel 2 Action News)
By Ellen Eldridge
Nov 29, 2016

A woman faces arson and aggravated assault charges after Clayton County sheriff’s deputies say she set fire to a bedroom and left a man in a wheelchair behind.

Geana Shunta Wright, 23, was arrested Monday after allegedly setting fire to a bedroom on Ray Street in Riverdale and running out of the house, Deputy Chief David Vazquez said.

Leon Young, who Vazquez said is a wheelchair-bound relative of Wright’s, called 911 after getting out of the house with help from neighbor Joy Wyly, The Atlanta Journal-Constitution previously reported.

VIDEO: Neighbor rescues man in wheelchair from burning home

Wyly said she heard noises and saw smoke coming from the home and pulled Young out.

Wright has a history of mental health issues, such as bipolar disorder and schizophrenia, according to a Mattie's Call issued by Clayton County police in August.

Wright has been held at the Clayton County Jail since her arrest, officials said.

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