Love Triangle May Have Sparked Arson

Dec. 2, 2005 — -- Jealousy may have motivated a Cleveland woman to drive more than three hours to Cincinnati to set another woman's house on fire, according to police in Ohio.

Mary Pederi, 57, of Cleveland, was charged with aggravated arson and attempted murder after allegedly setting fire to 65-year-old Joyce Reidi's home in Woodlawn, Ohio, early Friday morning, say police.

Detective Chris Pitsch told ABC News that both women had been romantically involved with the same man -- a 72-year-old from Cleveland who police aren't identifying.

"Ms. Pederi is the ex-girlfriend of a gentleman from Cleveland," said Pitsch. "Now he has a relationship with the victim [Reidy]."

Reidy was awakened about 2:30 a.m. by the sound of glass breaking, Pitsch said. Reidy found Pederi dousing the living room with gasoline through a broken window. "They were face to face at the window," Pitsch said.

Reidy, who was also splashed with gasoline, fled and escaped through a basement door. Pederi then used a lighter to ignite the gasoline, Pitsch said.

Reidy told police that Pederi drove away in an older, white vehicle. A police alert was issued, and Reidy was stopped while driving northbound on I-75.

Reidy's house sustained extensive damage, and she is staying with friends, Pitsch said.

Pederi is awaiting arraignment at the Hamilton County Justice Center.

ABC News affiliate WCPO-TV in Cinicinnati contributed to this report.