A 34-year-old St. Petersburg woman is facing multiple charges after Gulfport Police say she intentionally set fire to an occupied Gulfport residence, damaged the victim’s vehicle, and later bit an officer during her arrest.
According to arrest affidavits, Jessica M. Batts is accused of arriving by Uber at a residence in the 2700 block of 49th Street S in Gulfport at about 4:38 a.m. on June 23, 2026. Investigators say Batts had previously been issued a trespass warning for the property.
Police say a friend of the victim saw Batts on the northeast side of the property using a butane torch and intentionally igniting the residence. When the friend called out Batts’ name, Batts allegedly fled on foot…