Local authorities report that a woman from Hollywood was taken into custody in connection with an alleged arson that occurred last month. The incident, which involved a lumber business, took place near North Dixie Highway and Sheridan Street. Ann Smith, 51, was arrested without incident and is facing multiple charges, including second-degree arson, according to WSVN.
Authorities say surveillance footage from December 27 allegedly shows Smith setting a pile of clothes on fire using a lighter and a propellant. The fire spread quickly, causing burn damage to the building before firefighters extinguished it. Police later identified and located Smith, who matched the suspect description, and subsequently made the arrest, NBC Miami reported.
The woman, who faces second-degree arson charges, is currently being held in custody. Her bond has been set at $3,000. She also faces additional charges, including aggravated battery with a deadly weapon.
Smith has denied any involvement in setting the fire, despite the surveillance footage. Her arrest occurred shortly after the incident, and police released the video to the public on yesterday. The footage reportedly shows both the fire and Smith’s arrest. In a statement shared with NBC Miami, Smith disputed the charges. She remains in jail pending further legal proceedings.
