A 26-year-old Port St. Lucie woman faces attempted murder and arson charges after allegedly setting fire to a bedroom door while a 62-year-old woman was inside, then trying to push the victim toward the flames Sunday night. Michelle Picard was arrested following the incident in the 1500 block of Southeast Airoso Boulevard, where Port St. Lucie police responded to reports of a domestic disturbance and active house fire at around 9:05 p.m.
According to the Port St. Lucie Police Department, the victim first noticed smoke coming from underneath her bedroom door and discovered Picard standing nearby when she opened it. When the victim attempted to retrieve a fire extinguisher, Picard allegedly physically attacked her and tried to prevent her from putting out the fire. Police say Picard made threatening statements and attempted to push the victim toward the flames before the victim managed to escape to a bathroom, lock the door, and call 911. During the emergency call, Picard could be heard banging on the bathroom door in the background.
Officers found Picard outside the residence and detained her, but she resisted arrest, causing injuries to one officer's leg and requiring another officer to receive treatment for smoke inhalation. Both officers were treated at a local hospital and released. The victim was also hospitalized for treatment of injuries sustained during the incident. Fire investigators from the Port St. Lucie Police Department's Criminal Investigations Division, Crime Scene Investigators, St. Lucie County Fire District, and the State Fire Marshal's Office determined the blaze was intentionally set.
Picard was taken to a hospital for medical evaluation before being cleared and transported to jail. She faces charges of attempted murder, arson and resisting arrest without violence, with a total bond amount set at $510,000. The fire damaged the residence, prompting the American Red Cross to assist the victim with temporary housing and support services. Police emphasized this was an isolated domestic incident and there is no ongoing threat to the community.