A Florida man has been accused of returning to his former residence and illegally entering before attempting to burn the new tenant with a makeshift flamethrower.
On February 23, a woman in St. Lucie County was at her home when a former tenant allegedly showed up and let himself into the residence.
The man, who reportedly moved from the address approximately 5 months ago, allegedly forced the occupant outside.
When she tried to reenter, the woman said that the alleged intruder was holding a bottle of hair spray and a disposable red lighter.
The woman reported that the previous tenant held up the lighter and produced a flame. While aiming in her direction, the man allegedly began to disperse the hairspray from the can causing the flammable product to combust.
The fire that reportedly shot from what the authorities dubbed “a flame thrower” allegedly came within one inch of the woman’s face. The alleged victim said that she said she could feel the intense heat on her skin.
The St. Lucie County Sheriff’s Office was notified that someone had called 911 to report a burglary in process. The woman that placed the call reportedly explained that she was in physical danger.
When the authorities arrived at the address, they saw the woman sitting outside the home.
The alleged perpetrator, whose name has not been disclosed, was placed under arrest. He is expected to face charges for suspicion of felony burglary with assault or battery.
According to the affidavit, the police learned that the suspect had been reported by the woman prior to the current incident. He was allegedly posted outside the home while “using narcotics,” but was no longer there after the woman called 911.
If you or someone you love is suspected of a criminal offense, contact Orange County criminal defense lawyer Staycie R. Sena at (949) 477-8088 for a consultation now.