Volusia man allegedly stole girlfriend's Christmas tree, set house on fire

NEW SMYRNA BEACH, Fla. — A New Smyrna Beach man was arrested Sunday after deputies said he stole his girlfriend’s Christmas tree and then started a fire in her home.

According to the Volusia County Sheriff's Office, Stephen Jacques, 55, was at his girlfriend’s house Saturday morning in New Smyrna Beach, and deputies were called when the couple began to argue.

Later that night, deputies said Jacques broke into his girlfriend's home and stole a Christmas tree and a fishing pole.

According to the police report, Jacques denied that a burglary had taken place, telling deputies that the house was open and he had paid for the tree.

Authorities said Jacques offered to return the tree, but did not want to drive it back to his girlfriend's house because he had been drinking.

Deputies said they were called to the home again Sunday around 3 a.m., and the girlfriend's house was on fire.

According to investigators, deputies overheard a phone conversation where Jacques threatened to burn down the home. Jacques was seen driving from the home with a lighter, paper towels and a can of lighter fluid in his car, deputies said.

No one was injured in the fire. Jacques faces charges of driving under the influence, fleeing or attempting to elude, first-degree arson and three counts of attempted felony murder charges.

He is being held without bail at the Volusia County Branch Jail.

WFTV