OKALOOSA COUNTY, Fla. — A woman is facing multiple charges after a reported trash fire at a Florosa business led to the discovery of significant damage and an alleged overnight break-in, the Okaloosa County Sheriff’s Office (OCSO) announced.
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According to the OCSO, firefighters with the Florosa Fire Control District arrived to find the business’s front door shattered and the suspect, identified as Angelina Copeland, inside.
When approached by a firefighter, Ms Copeland reportedly armed herself with a metal broom and attempted to strike the responder.
Deputies said an investigation found that Ms Copeland had used brick pavers to break the front door before entering the business. Once inside, she is said to have damaged a vending machine, contributing to an initial estimated loss of $11,000.
After Ms Copeland was detained, she refused to provide identification, the OCSO said.
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Several hours later, the business owner reviewed additional surveillance video. According to the OCSO, the footage showed that Ms Copeland had remained inside the business throughout the night, causing several thousand dollars in further damage not identified during the initial response.
The video also reportedly confirmed that she was responsible for setting the trash can fire that prompted the original emergency call. Deputies added that a fence belonging to a neighboring business had also been damaged by Ms Copeland.
Additional charges, including arson and criminal mischief, are pending, according to the OCSO.
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