Woman arrested after allegedly setting car on fire

BY JENNIFER CABRERA

Briana Anquan Rene Washington, 29, was arrested early this morning on charges of arson and battery on a law enforcement officer.

At about 2:45 a.m. this morning, law enforcement received a report that a vehicle was on fire in the 800 block of SE 8th Street. The victim reported that he had heard a woman yelling outside, making threats, and he recognized the voice as a woman he had previously dated. He then heard someone else saying his car was on fire, and he went outside and discovered that the interior of his car was on fire. The witness also reported that she had seen someone standing by the vehicle and then driving away in a dark-colored vehicle. An empty bottle of rubbing alcohol was found on the driver’s seat of the victim’s vehicle, and the incident was ruled an arson by the Fire Investigator.

Washington was located at her residence and burnt items were reportedly found next to her vehicle. Post Miranda, she reportedly admitted to being at the victim’s residence about 20 minutes earlier, but she said there was no vehicle there. Washington’s vehicle is dark-colored.

While being detained, Washington allegedly “became combative” and kicked two Gainesville Police Department officers in the arms and chest multiple times. She has been charged with one count of arson and two counts of battery on a law enforcement officer. She remains in the jail on $15,000 bond.

Articles about arrests are based on reports from law enforcement agencies. The charges listed are taken from the arrest report and/or court records and are only accusations. All suspects are innocent until proven guilty in a court of law.