PORT ST. LUCIE, Fla. (WFLA) — A woman was arrested on Sunday after she set fire to a bedroom door while her 62-year-old mother was inside of the room, according to authorities.
Body camera footage shows officers responding to reports of a house fire and domestic disturbance around 9:05 p.m. on Airoso Boulevard. Flames were rapidly spreading throughout the home.
Photo courtesy of the Port St. Lucie Police Department
When officers asked if anyone was inside of the home, a woman responded. Deputies found the victim seeking refuge in a bath tub before they safely removed her from the home, according to the Port St. Lucie Police Department.
Photo courtesy of the Port St. Lucie Police Department
The investigation revealed that Michelle Picard, 26, set fire to the bedroom door. PSLPD said the victim attempted to put the fire out, but “Picard allegedly attacked her,” attempting to push her toward the flames.
The victim then ran to the bath tub and called 911.
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Michelle Picard was arrested and charged with attempted murder, arson and resisting arrest.
Chief Leo Niemzcyzk said Picard was “hearing voices that prompted her to commit this act of violence.” He said “animals were talking to her as well as voices.”
PSLPD said three of its officers received medical care, including two for smoke inhalation and one for a leg injury “due to the suspect.”
“We are grateful the victim survived, proud of the courage displayed by our officers and firefighters and wish our injured officers a speedy recovery,” PSLPD said.
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