BREVARD COUNTY, Fla. – In a dramatic turn of events, a Palm Bay man was arrested on arson and weapons charges outside a West Melbourne hotel.
Peter Simpson, aged 62, was detained early Sunday following his alleged attempt to set fire to an SUV. Sheriff Wayne Ivey of Brevard County detailed the incident on social media, including images of Simpson, the targeted SUV, and the assortment of weapons found in his vehicle.
Reportedly, Simpson was observed behaving erratically in the hotel parking lot, donning gloves and a mask, and then setting fire to a white Nissan SUV. His attempt to flee the scene in his car, without lights and heading towards Highway 192, was thwarted by two K-9 units.
Upon his arrest, Simpson was found with a loaded Ruger in his pocket. A search of his car revealed more incriminating items: additional gloves and mask, handcuffs, another pistol, a baton, a rifle, knives, and pepper spray.
It was also discovered that Simpson had partial ownership of “the vehicle”, though it remains unclear whether this refers to the car he was driving or the SUV he allegedly ignited. The other owner, a woman currently staying at the hotel, has not been further identified.
Simpson now faces charges of second-degree arson and carrying a concealed firearm during the commission of a felony. He is being held with no bond as per booking records.