The Orange County Criminal Lawyer Blog
A woman without permanent housing in the Pensacola area was arrested after she allegedly used gasoline to set a gas station clerk on fire.
Early in the day on March 30, 30-year-old Betty Jean McFadden was reportedly outside of a Circle K convenience store and gas station asking for money from the patrons.
It was reported that one of the clerks on duty spotted the woman and told her she would need to stop panhandling on the property.
McFadden complied with the clerk’s request and departed from the location.
Around 1:00 pm, McFadden allegedly went back to the Circle K. The woman reportedly had a gas can with her when she returned.
After she allegedly asked a stranger in the store for money, McFadden reportedly used it to put gasoline in the can.
The clerk who asked McFadden to leave earlier in the day was still on duty, and McFadden reportedly approached the woman and dumped the gas can on her.
The clerk tried to get away, but McFadden allegedly began striking matches and throwing them at the woman.
The gasoline was reportedly ignited by the matches, and the alleged victim caught fire.
After the fire started, McFadden left the store.
The other people in the establishment began grabbing water and articles of clothing to try to extinguish the flames. One of the other Circle K employees was injured while they were trying to assist.
McFadden was found a few blocks from the scene and taken into custody. She was taken to the Escambia County Sheriff’s Office to talk to detectives about the incident. It was noted that the woman asked a detective if the alleged victim was severely burned, and if the “bitch dead.”
McFadden was booked into the Escambia County Jail. She is facing charges of attempted murder, and she is being held without bond.
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.