On Mother’s Day in Riviera Beach, Zeretha Johnson woke up to fists pounding on her windows and smoke pouring through her home. Hours later, she was hugging the neighbor she says saved her life from a fire that police believe was deliberately set, and investigators have since arrested a suspect in the case.
Neighbors Pounded On Windows Until She Woke
Johnson was asleep when smoke and flames started ripping through the back of her house. Neighbor Antonio Thompson and another man saw the fire and sprinted over, hammering on her windows until she finally woke up, as reported by CBS12.
Johnson told the station, “They literally saved my life.” She escaped by climbing through a window as the back of the home burned. The fire broke out on Mother’s Day, May 10, and Johnson suffered minor burns to her nose, according to the station.
Arrest Appears On County Booking List
Police later arrested 38-year-old Desmond Dyke in connection with the blaze. His name appears on a Palm Beach County booking report for June that lists his age and custody status, according to Arrests.org. Authorities say the arrest is tied to the investigation into the deliberately set house fire, and detectives are still gathering evidence.
What The Charges Mean Under Florida Law
Dyke faces arson and attempted murder counts, charges that carry serious penalties under Florida law. Setting fire to an occupied dwelling can be prosecuted as first-degree arson under Chapter 806 of the Florida Statutes, according to the Florida Senate. Attempted murder is covered by homicide and attempt provisions in Chapter 782 and Chapter 777 of the Florida Statutes, according to the Florida Senate and the Florida Senate.
Convictions on those counts can result in lengthy prison terms. Any enhancements or final sentences will be decided by prosecutors and the courts as the case moves forward.
Court Date And Community Reaction
Dyke is scheduled to return to court on July 13, CBS12 reported.
In the meantime, Johnson and Thompson shared an emotional reunion in Riviera Beach, where she thanked him face to face. Neighbors say the quick action likely prevented a far worse outcome, and police are continuing to investigate how and why the fire started.
