Mother of Twin Toddlers Trapped in Burning Home Arrested

Norristown Police have arrested the mother of the twin toddlers who were rescued from their burning home in the 100 block of East Marshall Street on Sunday.

Semaj Suber, 18, was taken into custody on Sunday, and according to Detective Lt. Michael Crescitelli, is being charged with two counts each of endangering the welfare of a child (a felony), reckless endangerment of another person and simple assault (both misdemeanors).

Suber told police she had left her sons in the apartment and walked to the Thriftway at 815 DeKalb St. to get food. She told officers that someone ran to the store to alert her to the fire.

According to court records, Suber was arraigned in district court and released on $15,000 bail. A preliminary hearing is scheduled for April 29. Authorities notified Montgomery County Children and Youth Services who found placement for both children when they are released from the hospital.

On Sunday, the Norristown Fire Department responded to the fire just before 1 p.m. and witnessed smoke coming from the rear of the building. They forced entry, finding two small children trapped inside. Paramedics determined the children had suffered injuries consistent with smoke inhalation, including "thermal burns to the esophagus" and they were flown to the Children's Hospital of Philadelphia for treatment.

Read more about the fire and the investigation here.