Woman Set Fire To Ex's Neighbor's House In Failed Revenge Attempt

A woman allegedly set the wrong house on fire during an attempt to take revenge on her former boyfriend in North Carolina on Friday, July 22.

The accused, 49-year-old Christie Louise Jones, reportedly caused about US$20,000 in damage after she wrongfully set a house on fire in the small community of Gold Hill with the intention of taking revenge against her former boyfriend who lived in the same neighborhood, Daily News reported.

The bizarre incident came to light after a homeowner was woken up by their neighbor who notified him that a woman was attempting to set his house ablaze. The owner immediately rushed outside the residence and tried to extinguish the fire with water from a garden hose.

However, the garden hose had been tampered with by Jones who allegedly used Flex Seal to clog the water source. The angry homeowner proceeded to grab a rifle and confronted Jones, who was standing near a blue car that was blocking the driveway. Jones was also reportedly holding one of the homeowner’s dogs on a leash. However, seeing the homeowner, Jones did not have much to say and “just mumbled.”

Following this, Jones reportedly got in the car and left as she heard sounds of firefighters and deputies’ sirens rushing to the location. While driving away, Jones also brushed the homeowner with her car.

At the scene, the police located a jug of bar and chain oil that they believe was used by Jones to light and spread the fire, New York Post reported.

The homeowner was able to get the suspect's license number and a description of the car Jones drove. Meanwhile, another witness recognized Jones and told deputies that she lived in Stanly County.

Following this, Jones was later arrested on multiple charges, including felony first-degree arson, assault with a deadly weapon, and larceny of an animal. Jones' bond was set at a little over US$100,000.

According to a witness, Jones' former boyfriend owned property in the neighborhood and since there is no evidence that the homeowner and Jones knew each other, they believe that the suspect might have targeted wrong house. However, the authorities have not specified why the woman was seeking revenge against her ex.