An 84-year-old Fort Lauderdale man is facing multiple felony charges after authorities say he set a vehicle on fire while his girlfriend of more than four decades was sitting inside. Franklin Davis was arrested on Friday, July 3, and charged with premeditated attempted murder, criminal attempt solicitation, and arson causing bodily harm, according to Broward County online court records.
The incident unfolded in the parking lot of a 7-Eleven convenience store on Northwest 9th Avenue in Oakland Park. According to arrest affidavits from the Broward Sheriff’s Office, Davis and his girlfriend had recently ended their 42-year relationship and became involved in a verbal dispute outside the store.
Deputies reported that Davis was under the influence of alcohol during the argument. According to the investigation, he poured gasoline from a plastic bottle across the dashboard and front seats of the vehicle while the woman was still inside.
Davis then allegedly used a lighter to ignite the accelerant, causing the interior of the car to instantly erupt in flames. Officials noted that Davis was also inside the vehicle when the fire started.
The victim suffered third-degree burns to her left leg. Davis sustained burn injuries to his hands and face. In statements to responding deputies, the woman stated that she believed Davis was going to “burn her up” inside the vehicle.
Emergency crews transported both individuals to a local hospital. Due to the severity of their burn injuries, they were later transferred to the specialized burn unit at Jackson Memorial Hospital.
Davis has since been booked into the Broward County Main Jail in Fort Lauderdale, where he is currently being held without bond.
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