Police: man tried to burn down ex-girlfriend’s house

A Florence man was arrested Tuesday after police said he tried to set fire to his ex-girlfriend’s residence, Florence Police Maj. Carlos Raines said.

David Lee Jones Jr., 43, of 134 A Warley St. is charged with second-degree arson and resisting arrest, Florence County Detention Center bookings reports show.

The incident happened Dec. 24 at a home on Irby Street shortly after the suspect saw his ex-girlfriend riding in a car with another man, Raines said.

The suspect went to her residence where her cousin was inside babysitting, banged on the door and yelled, “I’m going to burn the house down.”

The victim peeked out the window and saw the suspect standing near the of the bottom stairs pouring gasoline from a red container.  Police said he then set the area on fire and fled the scene.

The victim was able to extinguish the fire before calling police. Officers saw the suspect near the home and tried to question him, but he ran away, Raines said.

Jones remained in custody at the Florence County jail under a $3,000 surety bond.