Woman arrested, accused of trying to set ex-boyfriend, his home on fire

FLAGLER COUNTY, Fla. — A woman is accused of trying to set her ex-boyfriend and his Flagler County home on fire on Monday.

Flagler County deputies said Melaine Botts, 39, poured gasoline through and around her ex-boyfriend’s home on Beth Lane in Palm Coast and also tried to throw gasoline on him.

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The ex-boyfriend told deputies he found the gas can on his counter emitting fumes and actively burning. He said he threw the can outside to prevent a fire from starting inside the home.

Deputies said Botts was not at home when they arrived, but was apprehended by deputies half-hour later related to a different case.

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“This is an example of how a domestic dispute can quickly escalate into a more critical situation,” Sheriff Rick Staly said in a statement. “I’m glad no one was hurt as this situation was, literally, extremely volatile. No relationship problem is worth escalating it to be arrested or losing your life. If you need help in a domestic situation call us or seek help through the Family Life Center before the situation becomes dire.”

Deputies said Botts has previously been arrested on drug and weapons charges, and has been on probation since July 14, 2020, for a previous felony battery.

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Botts was arrested for domestic battery, arson, criminal mischief, possession of buprenorphine, possession of amphetamine, and felony violation of probation. She was transported to the Sheriff Perry Hall Inmate Detention Facility and is being held on a $61,000 bond.

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