HERNANDO COUNTY, Fla. – A Spring Hill man is facing multiple charges, including attempted arson and possession of a firearm by a felon, following a tense standoff with Hernando County Sheriff’s deputies.
The incident began around 3:00 AM on October 23rd when a woman called 911 to report that her ex-boyfriend, 48-year-old Jack French, was threatening to burn down their shared residence. She told deputies that French, upset over their recent breakup, had sent her pictures of gas cans.
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When deputies arrived at the Riddle Drive residence, they found French, a convicted felon, outside loading firearms into a vehicle. As deputies approached, French grabbed a rifle and another firearm and retreated into the house.
A standoff ensued, with deputies maintaining contact with French via cell phone. During this time, French made several suicidal statements. At one point, a gunshot was heard from inside the residence. French later claimed the firearm had accidentally discharged.
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Shortly before 8:00 AM, French exited the residence and surrendered to deputies without further incident. He admitted to being distraught over the breakup and to pouring gasoline on the floor of the house, but he denied attempting to ignite it.
French was arrested and charged with Possession of a Firearm by a Felon and Attempted Arson. He is being held at the Hernando County Detention Center on a $25,000 bond.
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