A homeowner in Rowan County, North Carolina, woke up when a neighbour found a woman allegedly trying to set the house on fire on Friday.
CBS affiliate station WBTV reported that the Rowan County Sheriff’s Office is investigating the incident as arson after the woman—identified as 49-year-old Christie Louise Jones—was trying to set an ex-boyfriend’s house on fire but targeted the wrong one.
Jones was charged with felony first-degree arson, assault with a deadly weapon and larceny of an animal, though the outlet reported that she may face additional charges.
“Because of the possible threat to human life, arson is generally a felony with severe penalties,” the article published by FindLaw said.
WBTV reported that there were bundles of wood and a fire burning on the front porch, which police said was started by bar and chain oil.
When the homeowner tried to get water on the fire, he found Jones near a car that was blocking the driveway. Police also said that the homeowner found pieces of wood that were on fire around a propane tank.
And, when the homeowner tried to douse the flames with water from the hose, it did not work because Jones allegedly tried to seal off the water by using Flex Seal.
She also reportedly damaged the homeowner’s pool.
A spokesperson for the Rowan County Sheriff’s Office said Jones moved the homeowner’s dogs from the area they were previously being kept, which was why was charged with larceny of an animal.
Police said they found the dog and extinguished the fire before there was serious damage done to the house.
When the homeowner tried to ask her who she was and why she damaged his property, Jones reportedly did not give much of an answer before she got in her car and drove away.
“He tried to prevent her from leaving, but there was only so much he could do,” the spokesperson said.
Because of the description that was provided of Jones and the car she was driving, police tracked her down and she was charged.
