Staff reports 11:16 a.m.
Saturday, July 7, 2018 11:16 am
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DOVER - Police say a woman cohabitating inside a business with her boyfriend set fire to the building after the two got into a spat.
The woman, who has no fixed address, was charged with arson, criminal mischief, assault on a police officer and resisting arrest.
The bizarre incident unfolded around 12:50 a.m. as officers from the Dover Police Department responded to Armor-Guard Sealcoating at 894 Central Ave. after a caller reported hearing a woman yelling about setting the building on fire.
The first officer on scene heard the sound of glass breaking and saw flames on the side of the building. The officer also saw Deena Dumaine next to the building.
Dumaine, 35, attempted to flee from the officer but was quickly taken into custody. While being taken into custody she is alleged to have slapped the officer in the chest.
Other officers arrived on scene and put the fire out using a fire extinguisher. The officers also located a man inside the building, who was ultimately identified as Dumaine's boyfriend.
The officers learned the two had been staying in the building with permission from the owner and that after a dispute with her boyfriend, Dumaine had broken a window and started the fire.
Dover Fire and Rescue also responded to the scene to ensure the fire was out and the building was structurally sound. There were no injuries to the police officers, Dumaine, or her boyfriend as a result of this incident. Dumaine was released on personal recognizance bail pending an arraignment later this month.
The case continues to be investigated by the Dover Police Department. Anyone with information about this incident is asked to call the Dover Police Department at 603-742- 4646. Anonymous tips may be called into the Dover Crimeline at 603-749-6000. The Dover Crimeline can also be contacted via www.dovernhcrimeline.org.