A 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 trapped inside Sunday night. Michelle Picard, 26, was arrested following the incident at a home in the 1500 block of Southeast Airoso Boulevard.
Port St. Lucie police responded to reports of a domestic disturbance and active house fire around 9:05 p.m. Officers found flames inside the residence and evacuated everyone safely. The investigation revealed 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. 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. 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.
Fire investigators determined the blaze was intentionally set. Picard faces charges of attempted murder, arson and resisting arrest without violence. Her total bond is $510,000. The victim was hospitalized for treatment of injuries sustained during the incident. The American Red Cross is assisting 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.