A 26-year-old Port St. Lucie woman has been arrested and charged with attempted murder and arson following a domestic-related incident on the city’s southeast side. According to the Port St. Lucie Police Department (PSLPD), Michelle Picard was taken into custody on May 31, 2026, after officers responded to a reported disturbance and active fire at a residence on the 1500 block of SE Airoso Boulevard at approximately 9:05 p.m.
Officers Respond to Active Fire and Domestic Disturbance
When PSLPD officers arrived at the scene, they observed an active fire inside the home. Officers worked quickly to safely remove everyone from the residence. The investigation revealed that Picard allegedly set fire to the bedroom door of a 62-year-old female while the woman was inside the room.
According to police, the victim smelled smoke and observed it coming from underneath her bedroom door. When she opened the door, she allegedly found Picard standing nearby with flames visible at the base of the door. The victim then attempted to retrieve a fire extinguisher, but Picard allegedly physically confronted her and attempted to prevent her from extinguishing the fire.
During the incident, Picard allegedly made threatening statements toward the victim and allegedly attempted to push her toward the flames. The victim was able to retreat to a bathroom, lock the door, and call 911. Police said Picard could be heard in the background of the 911 call banging on the bathroom door.
Arrest and Injuries to Officers
Picard was located outside the residence and detained by officers. Police said she is accused of resisting officers during the arrest, which allegedly resulted in one officer sustaining a leg injury. A second officer was treated for smoke inhalation. Both officers were treated at a local hospital and later released.
The victim was transported to a local hospital for treatment of injuries allegedly sustained during the incident. Picard was also transported to a local hospital for medical evaluation and clearance before being booked into jail.
Investigation and Charges Filed
Detectives with the PSLPD’s Criminal Investigations Division responded to the scene, along with Crime Scene Investigators, the St. Lucie County Fire District, and the State Fire Marshal’s Office. Based on the investigation conducted by fire investigators, the fire was determined to be arson.
Picard was charged with the following offenses:
- Attempted Murder — F.S.S. 782.04(2) — Bond: $250,000
- Arson — F.S.S. 806.01(1)(a) — Bond: $250,000
- Resisting Arrest Without Violence — F.S.S. 843.02 — Bond: $10,000
Picard’s total bond was set at $510,000. She was medically cleared and transported to the St. Lucie County Jail. Due to fire damage at the residence, the American Red Cross was notified to assist the victim.
Police said this was an isolated domestic-related incident and that there is no ongoing threat to the community. The investigation remains active and ongoing.
Frequently Asked Questions About the SE Airoso Boulevard Attempted Murder and Arson Arrest
What charges does the suspect face?
Michelle Picard is charged with attempted murder, arson, and resisting arrest without violence. Her total bond amount has been set at $510,000.
Were any officers or victims injured during the incident?
According to police, one officer sustained a leg injury and a second officer was treated for smoke inhalation. Both were treated at a local hospital and released. The 62-year-old victim was also transported to a hospital for treatment of injuries allegedly sustained during the incident.
Is there an ongoing threat to the community?
The PSLPD stated that this was an isolated domestic-related incident and that there is no ongoing threat to the community.
Where is the suspect being held?
Picard was transported to the St. Lucie County Jail after being medically cleared. Her bond was set at a combined $510,000.
All suspects are presumed innocent until proven guilty in a court of law.
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