PSL Woman Accused of Setting Fire to Trap Mother Inside Bedroom

A 62-year-old Port St. Lucie woman escaped through a locked bathroom while her bedroom door burned around her Sunday night — and police say her own daughter set the blaze.

Michelle Picard, 26, was charged with attempted murder, arson, and resisting arrest without violence following the 9:05 p.m. incident in the 1500 block of Southeast Airoso Boulevard, according to the Port St. Lucie Police Department. Her bond was set at $510,000.

The victim first noticed smoke curling under her bedroom door. Upon opening it, she found Picard standing nearby, the arrest report indicates. When she moved to grab a fire extinguisher, Picard allegedly attacked her physically, made threatening statements, and attempted to push her toward the flames.

The victim fled to a bathroom, locked the door, and dialed 911. Dispatchers could hear Picard banging on the bathroom door throughout the emergency call, public records show.

Officers who arrived found active flames inside the residence and evacuated the occupants. Picard was detained outside the home but resisted, injuring one officer's leg and exposing another to smoke inhalation severe enough to require hospital treatment. Both officers were treated and released. The victim was also hospitalized for injuries sustained during the attack.

Investigators with the St. Lucie County Fire District and the State Fire Marshal's Office determined the fire was intentionally set. The Port St. Lucie Police Department's Criminal Investigations Division and Crime Scene Investigators are continuing to work the case.

The fire left the residence uninhabitable. The American Red Cross has been assisting the victim with temporary housing and support services.

Police described the incident as an isolated domestic matter and said there is no ongoing threat to the surrounding community. The investigation remains active.

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