An elderly Cuban woman has been taken into custody by law enforcement, accused of setting her former landlord's vehicle ablaze while it was parked at a residence in the eastern part of Hialeah last week. The accused, Gladys Reinoso, 74, was identified as the individual who exited her car on Thursday afternoon, approached the Hernández family home, and hurled a flaming object that ignited a 1967 Ford Mustang, according to police reports.
Reinoso is facing charges of first-degree arson, as reported by Univision. She had been a tenant in an apartment owned by the Hernández family for 12 years before being evicted between May and June this year. Following the eviction, she reportedly lived in her car, parked in close proximity to the victims' residence.
"Our dog began barking, and when I checked the cameras, I saw the fire. Initially, I thought it was across the street, but when I rushed out, I realized it was our car," Ingrid Hernández, the homeowner where the incident took place, recounted. Acting swiftly, she managed to extinguish the fire with a hose before the arrival of firefighters.
Reinoso was apprehended outside the residence as the suspected perpetrator of the arson. "It seems she held a grudge against us," Hernández remarked to Univision, alluding to the eviction as the likely motive. "She needed to retaliate because we forced her out of the home she once had."
Following her court appearance, Reinoso was admitted to a psychiatric facility in Hialeah for a medical evaluation. During the hearing, the judge ordered her to have no contact with the Hernández family. "I believe she needs help, and the court's decision to place her in a psychiatric facility for medical assistance is the best course of action," Mrs. Hernández commented on the judicial ruling.
A subsequent hearing is scheduled for this Tuesday in criminal court, which the Hernández family is required to attend, as noted by Univision. Online police records indicate that Reinoso was previously arrested in February 2024 in Miami-Dade County for aggravated assault.
Key Details on the Hialeah Arson Incident
What charges is Gladys Reinoso facing?
Gladys Reinoso is facing charges of first-degree arson for allegedly setting her ex-landlord's car on fire.
Why was Reinoso living in her car?
Reinoso had been evicted from her apartment and was reportedly living in her car, parked near the Hernández family's home, after the eviction.
What actions did Ingrid Hernández take during the incident?
Ingrid Hernández quickly used a hose to extinguish the fire on the car before firefighters arrived.