Orr Woman Charged After Family Knife Assault, Arson

DULUTH, Minn. (WCCO) – A 26-year-old Orr woman was formally charged after she assaulted her family members and set fire to their home on Thursday.

According to the St. Louis County's Sheriff's office, Melanie Porter allegedly assaulted two family members with a knife, and then started a fire in the family's basement.

Officers were called to the family home at approximately 1:29 p.m., and arrived to find Porter restrained by family members the fire extinguished.

Porter was charged Friday with second-degree assault, terroristic threats and first-degree arson. Her bail is set at $50,000. She is being held at the St. Louis County Jail. Her next court appearance is on Feb. 14.