GAINESVILLE, Fla. — Porche Latrice Jeffery, 40, was arrested Friday evening on a warrant for arson and burglary after allegedly setting a car on fire during a May altercation.
The incident took place around 6:40 a.m. on May 8, when Jeffery and the victim argued over retrieving her belongings from the victim’s vehicle. The victim reportedly tried to leave the scene due to Jeffery’s aggressive behavior, but Jeffery blocked the vehicle, prompting the victim to retreat to her apartment and call 911.
After the victim left, Jeffery allegedly entered the vehicle without permission, retrieved her belongings, and lit a piece of paper, placing it in the back seat, which ignited a fire.
When Gainesville Police arrived, black smoke was seen pouring from the vehicle. Gainesville Fire Rescue extinguished the fire, and investigators determined it had been intentionally set.
Jeffery, who lists her address as St. Francis House, is now facing charges of:
Burglary of a vehicle
Arson
She has a criminal history that includes three felony convictions (one violent), six non-violent misdemeanors, and one prior state prison sentence. She was last released from prison in 2021.
Judge Sheree Lancaster set bail at $27,000, based on a recommendation from Judge Denise Ferrero in the arrest warrant.
