The Gist: In the aftermath of a violent breakup, James Hines, a Brooksville, Florida resident, is accused of setting fire to his ex-girlfriend’s home before engaging in an hours-long standoff with local law enforcement.
What Happened?: An alarming house fire, allegedly instigated by Hines, devastated a residence on Pryor Street in Brooksville in the early hours of July 5.
The suspected arson is believed to have stemmed from a series of threatening text messages sent by Hines to his ex-girlfriend, who lived at the residence.
According to the Hernando County Sheriff’s Office, the situation escalated when attempts to apprehend Hines at his home resulted in a tense standoff that lasted well into the evening.
The Timeline:
- 3:06 a.m. – Initial 9-1-1 call reporting the house fire.
- 3:10 a.m. – Fire and police units arrive at the scene.
- 3:29 a.m. – State Fire Marshal’s Office contacted over arson suspicions.
- 4 a.m. – Major Case Section and Forensic Science Unit summoned.
- 2:04 p.m. – Crisis Response and SWAT teams activated.
- 9:39 p.m. – Standoff concludes with shots fired and Hines apprehended.
What’s Next?: Hines is facing multiple charges, including attempted first-degree murder and arson, with his bond set at $280,000. Further investigations by the Florida Department of Law Enforcement are ongoing. There may be additional charges pending the outcome of the investigation. As per standard protocol, officers involved in the shooting have been placed on administrative leave with pay, pending a preliminary review by the Florida Department of Law Enforcement.
Domestic Violence Stats: A study from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention found that between 2003 and 2014, about 55% of all female homicides in the U.S. were related to intimate partner violence.
Reminder: Crime articles contain only charges and information from police reports and law enforcement statements. Suspects and defendants are presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty.
