HALLANDALE BEACH, Fla — Authorities say a 30-year-old convicted felon intentionally set fire to a room at a Hallandale Beach motel overnight Friday, leading to his arrest.
Crews responded to the El Rancho Motel, located at 424 N. Federal Highway, at around 2:40 a.m.
Hallandale Beach police said Paul Thomas Hough “intentionally set fire to the victim’s room after being denied entry.” Police said the victim was his ex-girlfriend.
She told Local 10 News, “I’m OK.”
“Upon arrival, officers observed the affected unit rapidly becoming engulfed in flames. Immediate action was taken to evacuate the building, ensuring the safety of all residents,” police said in a news release. “Broward Sheriff’s Office Fire Rescue arrived promptly and was able to extinguish the fire before it could spread further. Fortunately, no injuries were reported.”
Authorities said Hough fled, but officers were able to find him a short time later at a nearby fast food restaurant and take him into custody. Police shared body camera video of his arrest.
Fire officials said the American Red Cross was helping two people displaced by the blaze.
Meanwhile, BSO jail records show Hough is facing an assortment of charges, including first-degree arson, cocaine possession and burglary.
Florida Department of Corrections records show he spent more than two years in state prison following convictions for burglary, cocaine possession and grand theft of a firearm.
As of Friday morning, Hough was being held in the BSO Main Jail with no bond listed.
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