Dallas Woman Charged After Setting House Fire, Stabbing Firefighters’ Hose

Jermecia Denise Murphy faces multiple charges after allegedly starting a house fire Friday morning then cutting firefighters’ hose with a knife to stop their efforts. Dallas Fire-Rescue responded to the blaze at 12:58 a.m. following several 911 calls. Crews found heavy flames in the one-story home’s front corner room and extinguished the fire by 1:35 a.m. While firefighters battled the blaze, Murphy reportedly stabbed their hose line and was arrested at the scene. Investigators determined the fire was “incendiary in nature” and witnesses heard Murphy admit to starting it while she damaged equipment. The vacant house sustained fire damage but no injuries occurred. Murphy remains in Dallas County Jail on $16,000 bond, charged with criminal mischief, interfering with public duties, and drug possession. Arson charges are expected to be added. (Story URL)