Monroe County, FL - A South Florida man was arrested after he set his ex-girlfriend's clothes on fire, leading to the discovery of a stolen firearm in his possession.
Police say 47-year-old Jeffrey Neil Hammond, a resident of Scout Key, was arrested on Thursday on charges of grand theft of a firearm, resisting arrest, criminal mischief, and making a bonfire too close to a residence.
The incident was reported to the Monroe County Sheriff's Office around 4 p.m.
Responding deputies found Hammond and the 54-year-old female victim present at the scene, where a fire had been ignited approximately 25 feet away from a residential trailer, consuming women's clothes, cosmetics, and other personal items.
The victim informed deputies that Hammond prevented her from retrieving her belongings and had intentionally set them ablaze.
The victim also told police that Hammond was in possession of illegal firearms.
After initially denying the accusation, Hammond admitted to owning firearms and disclosed their location inside the residence.
During a search of his home, deputies uncovered six rifles and a handgun, which was reported stolen in North Carolina.
Hammond was placed under arrest and transported to jail.