FLAGLER COUNTY, Fla. – A Florida woman on probation has been arrested and is accused of trying to set her ex-boyfriend and his home on fire.
The following is a summary of events provided by The Flagler County Sheriff’s Office: On December 6, 2021, the Flagler County Sheriff’s Office (FCSO) responded to a call about a domestic disturbance on Beth Lane in Palm Coast. Upon arrival, deputies observed an object on fire in the yard and could smell a strong odor of gasoline emitting from the home and a gasoline can was visible on the counter. The suspect, later identified as Melanie Botts, was arrested after it was determined she attempted to set her ex-boyfriend and his home on fire.
The victim stated he was getting ready to leave his home and while outside, Botts arrived and started a verbal disturbance. During the argument, she went into the garage and grabbed a can of gasoline. When the victim went inside, he could immediately smell gasoline and observed it poured throughout the home. He advised the can was sitting on the counter, with fumes emitting from the nozzle and actively burning. He then threw the can outside to prevent a fire inside the home. He also stated that Botts grabbed him at one point and tried pouring gasoline on him, then poured gasoline around the perimeter of his home. Botts then left the area and was not on scene when deputies arrived.
Deputies attempted to make contact with Botts and approximately 30 minutes later Botts contacted FCSO to reference a different case. When deputies made contact with her, she was immediately arrested without incident. Upon searching Botts, an Adderall pill was found in her back pocket, along with a yellow packet labeled Buprenorphine and Naloxone Sublingual Film.
“This is an example of how a domestic dispute can quickly escalate into a more critical situation,” Sheriff Rick Staly said. “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.”
Botts has been previously arrested for Possession of Crack Cocaine with Intent to Sell, Possession of Cocaine, Possession of Amphetamine, Carrying Unlicensed Electrical Weapon, Possession of Marijuana Under 20g, Battery, Aggravated Assault with a Deadly Weapon, Improper Exhibition of a Dangerous Weapon, Battery on a Law Enforcement Officer, and Resist Officer Without Violence. Botts has been on probation since July 14, 2020, for a previous felony battery.
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.
