Woman charged after gasoline allegedly poured around southwest Charlotte home during early-morning threat, records show

What investigators say happened

A 48-year-old woman is facing an arson charge after authorities allege she attempted to set fire to a home in southwest Charlotte during the early hours of Sunday, March 8, 2026. Court records describe an incident in which gasoline was allegedly poured around the exterior of a residence while people were inside.

The alleged offense occurred around 4:30 a.m. at a home on Jacobs Fork Lane. Investigators allege the woman, identified in court filings as Tonniemara Gabriel, poured gasoline along front landscaping and the side of the house. Court records state that doorbell camera video captured a person dumping gasoline from a clear gas can around the property.

Evidence cited in court documents

In addition to the video reference, an affidavit summarized in the court record states that Gabriel told responding officers she intended to burn down the house with occupants inside. Officers also reported recovering two lighters: one found on the front lawn and another taken from Gabriel’s pocket before she was detained.

No injuries were reported in the initial account contained in the court documents, and the records do not indicate that the home ultimately caught fire. The filings focus on the alleged steps taken to ignite the property and the stated intent captured in the affidavit.

Charges and custody status

Gabriel is charged with arson, court records show. The same records indicate she is being held as a fugitive in connection with an out-of-state matter. Her bond is listed at $500,000.

What remains unclear

Publicly available court summaries reviewed by the newsroom do not specify:

• the relationship, if any, between the defendant and the people inside the home;
• the specific out-of-state charge referenced in the fugitive hold;
• whether additional charges may be pursued as the case proceeds.

Arson cases can hinge on proving intent and on documenting steps taken toward ignition. In this case, the court record highlights alleged statements to officers, the presence of an accelerant, and the recovery of ignition sources.

The defendant is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty in court.

The case is expected to move next through Mecklenburg County’s court process, where prosecutors and defense attorneys will address bond conditions, evidence, and the precise elements of the charge.