Jamia Howell Arrested in Commerce With 9 Molotov Cocktails in Backpack After String of Fires

A Texas woman is facing serious charges after police say they caught her leaving the scene of a fire while carrying multiple homemade incendiary devices.

Authorities report that officers had been investigating several suspicious fires across Commerce over a three-day period beginning Feb. 19. On Saturday night, a patrol officer spotted a blaze at a city park and saw a woman walking away from the immediate area. She was detained and identified as Jamia Howell.

During a search, officers allegedly discovered nine homemade bombs inside her backpack, along with a lighter and materials commonly used to construct incendiary devices. Investigators say Howell admitted to making and “testing” the devices at different locations around town.

She was taken into custody and charged with arson and possession of a prohibited weapon. Police say additional charges could be filed as the investigation continues.

A Molotov cocktail — the type of device police say was recovered — is typically made from a glass bottle filled with flammable liquid and fitted with a cloth wick. When ignited and thrown, it shatters and spreads fire on impact.

Officials have not released further details about possible motives or whether Howell is connected to all of the recent fires.