Dramatic new body camera video shows Florida officers entering a burning home to rescue a woman who became trapped after another woman intentionally set the house on fire, officials said.
Read more Miami-Dade teacher accused of sexual relationship with girl, 17, given house arrest
The footage released by Port St. Lucie Police shows officers responding to the home on Sunday for a call of a domestic battery and residential fire.
According to police, the suspect had set fire to the 62-year-old victim’s bedroom door while the victim was still inside.
When the victim tried to put out the fire, the suspect attacked her, made threats and tried to push her toward the flames, so the victim retreated to a bathroom, locked the door and called police, officials said.
The videos released by the department on Tuesday show officers with weapons drawn entering the smoke-filled home to search for the victim.
“She’s in here!” an officer says as one officer kicks down the bedroom door that was engulfed in flames.
Read more New Zealand World Cup player finds social media fame after being touted by soccer influencer
The officers quickly find the victim who was trapped in the bathroom and help her outside.
“She’s coming, we got her coming out,” an officers says as another officer is heard coughing. “We got the lady out of the house.”
Three officers who responded received medical care, including two for smoke inhalation and one who suffered a leg injury from the suspect, police said.
The victim survived.
The suspect, identified as 26-year-old Michelle Picard, was arrested and charged with attempted murder, arson, and resisting arrest.
“This incident serves as a reminder of the risks first responders face every day. While many see the flashing lights and uniforms, they don’t always see the sacrifices made behind them,” the department wrote in a Facebook post. “We are grateful the victim survived, proud of the courage displayed by our officers and firefighters, and wish our injured officers a speedy recovery. This is what service looks like. This is what courage looks like.”
Read more Bus driver arrested after boy, 6, fell asleep during ride, was found wandering, cops say