A quiet Saturday near Centennial Park turned tense when Commerce police say they spotted an unreported fire and then a woman walking away from the scene with a suspicious-looking backpack. Officers detained the woman, later identified by authorities as Jamia Howell, and say what they found inside that bag quickly turned a routine check into an arson and weapons arrest.
Police say Howell was booked on arson and weapons-related charges after the encounter near the park.
Police: What Officers Say They Recovered
According to MyTexasDaily, officers searched the backpack and say they found nine incendiary bottles commonly described as Molotov cocktails. Investigators also reported finding additional materials used to build the devices, along with a lighter.
The Commerce Police Department and the Commerce Fire Department told the outlet they had already been looking into a series of fires across the city in the 36 hours leading up to the park incident.
Suspect's Alleged Admission
MyTexasDaily reports that during interviews, Howell "admitted to making and testing numerous Molotov cocktails." Police say she was taken to the Commerce Police Department for processing after the park stop.
Investigators say the arrest followed an officer noticing smoke and what they described as an unreported fire at Centennial Park, then locating Howell nearby.
Investigation And Public Safety
Authorities say the investigation is still active as Commerce fire and police personnel work to determine whether the seized devices are connected to the recent string of small fires. Officials have not released any information about victims or property damage linked to those earlier incidents.
Police are asking anyone with information about the fires or the arrest to contact the Commerce Police Department.
Charges And Next Steps
Police reports state that Howell faces two counts of arson and one charge of possession of a prohibited weapon. Prosecutors will decide on formal indictments as investigators continue gathering evidence and conducting interviews.
