Woman Allegedly Tried To Torch Wrong House While Attempting To Set Fire To Ex’s Home

A North Carolina woman is accused of mistakenly trying to torch a couple’s house and stealing their dog while aiming to set fire to her ex-boyfriend’s home.

A neighbor woke up one of the homeowners on Friday morning to tell them that a woman was seemingly attempting to set their Gold Hill house on fire, WBTV reports. There were bundles of wood and a fire on the front porch.

The homeowner tried to extinguish the fire with water when he noticed a woman who was allegedly blocking the driveway with her car. That woman, Christie Louise Jones, 49, is accused of starting the fire.

The Richfield woman allegedly had the couple’s dog in her possession, according to WSOC-TV. The homeowner confronted her and tried to stop her from leaving with his dog, but Jones “just mumbled,” according to a Rowan County Sheriff’s department report obtained by WBTV. She then allegedly brushed him with her car as sirens became audible in the distance.

Later, investigators found a jug of bar and chain oil, likely used to ignite the fire. Jones allegedly put Flex Seal on the garden hose so it couldn’t be used to put out the fire, WSOC reports. She’s also accused of damaging the couple’s above-ground pool with a cut. Damages to the property are estimated to be about $20,000.

The Rowan County Sheriff’s department has not immediately responded to Oxygen.com’s request for comment or additional information. They have charged Jones with felony first-degree arson, assault with a deadly weapon, and larceny of an animal. Her bond has been set at $101,500. 

It’s not clear if Jones has a lawyer. 

A witness told investigators that Jone’s ex-boyfriend owned property in the area, WBTV. They said they believed Jones may have been trying to target his home instead.

The investigation is ongoing and further charges are possible.