A Florida man is in an Ohio jail after police say he intentionally started a fire in his girlfriend’s …

Jermal Freeman, a resident of Florida, is being held in the Franklin County Jail after authorities say he intentionally set fire to his ex-girlfriend’s apartment in Columbus, Ohio.

Columbus fire crews responded to the apartment fire on April 10, 2026, at a residence located on Belcher Drive in north Columbus. According to reports from ABC6 On Your Side, the victim was not at home when the fire occurred.

Investigators stated that the victim reported Freeman had contacted her via a FaceTime call. During the call, Freeman allegedly turned on her oven, which contained a blanket, and told the victim he was going to start a fire.

The incident follows a history of reported threats. The victim had previously notified the Columbus police that Freeman had threatened to kill her friends and stab her with a kitchen knife.

According to investigators, Freeman made a specific threat regarding the weapon:

“I got your knife,” Freeman is alleged to have said to his girlfriend. “I told you I wasn’t playing with you.”

ABC6 On Your Side

Witnesses told investigators that Freeman had been attempting to find a return flight home to Florida. He has been charged with aggravated arson and remains in custody in the Franklin County Jail.