Arsonist Arrested with Homemade Molotov Cocktails After Intense 36-Hour Fire Spree: Police Report

A woman from Texas found herself in custody after allegedly setting off a series of Molotov cocktails, igniting multiple fires in a town near Dallas. The Commerce Police Department had been on high alert, investigating a string of blazes that erupted throughout Commerce, Texas, over a span of 36 hours last week.

Officials from the department released a statement detailing the events and efforts to trace the origins of these unexplained fires. This search led them to Centennial Park, about 70 miles from Dallas, where a night-shift officer came across yet another fire and observed a mysterious woman leaving the scene.

The woman, identified as Jamia Howell, was subsequently approached by the officer. Upon inspection, authorities found her in possession of nine homemade explosives, commonly referred to as Molotov cocktails, stashed in her backpack. This discovery resulted in Howell being charged with arson and possession of a prohibited weapon according to the department’s report.

On Saturday, a night-shift officer spotted a fire at Centennial Park – located approximately 70 miles from Dallas – and observed an unknown woman leaving the area. 

Upon confronting the woman, identified as Jamia Howell, authorities discovered nine homemade bombs – commonly known as Molotov cocktails – inside her backpack, according to the news release.

Authorities say Jamia Howell was seen leaving a fire in Centennial Park on Saturday, Feb. 21, 2026. (Google Maps)

Officers also discovered a lighter and additional items used to make explosive devices inside Howell’s backpack, police said. 

While in custody, Howell allegedly made comments admitting to “testing” numerous Molotov cocktails at numerous locations within Commerce.

Authorities had been investigating a series of blazes throughout the city over the course of a 36-hour window, including one at Centennial Park in Commerce, Texas on Saturday, Feb. 21, 2026. (Google Maps)

A Molotov cocktail consists of a homemade explosive device typically made using a glass bottle filled with flammable liquid and a cloth wick.

Howell was transported to the local jail and is charged with arson and possession of a prohibited weapon. Authorities added that additional charges are possible as the investigation remains ongoing. 

The Commerce Police Department did not immediately respond to Fox News Digital’s request for comment.

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