Arson Suspect Mia Williams told police that he is a “female.” He was arrested after allegedly setting a woman on fire. (Credit: Tallahassee Police Department, left, Tallahassee Police Department handout, right.)

US — Tallahassee, Florida. Tallahassee police say a woman is being treated for serious burn injuries after a man doused her with gasoline and lit her on fire at a fast food establishment. The 32-year-old suspect is also being investigated for a rash of fires that occurred in the area overnight and in the early morning hours.

During the 6 PM evening rush on Wednesday, October 23, Mia Williams, a homeless man, entered the Taco Bell on South Monroe Street. He allegedly set a woman on fire and fled the scene.

The woman was rushed by helicopter to a local hospital.

One of the series of arson attacks decimated the Providence Baptist Church, which is located at 1901 Hillsborough Street, near the South Monroe Street Taco Bell. A vehicle at Mag Lab in Innovation Park was also set ablaze. The Tallahassee Fire Department has named Mr Williams as a suspect in the incidents.

Providence Baptist Church decimated by arsonist (Credit: Tallahassee Democrat)

Mr Williams was arrested at 5 AM in the area of Pensacola Street and White Drive following a massive overnight manhunt. Police received a tip that he was spotted riding a bicycle in the area.

When the suspect refused to stop at an officer’s command, the officer hopped the curb in his patrol vehicle, and pinned the suspect’s front bike tire to the fence. Mr Williams got on the roof of the patrol vehicle and pointed a knife threateningly at the officer. The officer pointed a gun and again ordered Mr Williams to stop. Another arriving officer gave orders to Mr Williams to get off the vehicle. Mr Williams eventually complied, but continue to resist.

Police initially identified Mr Williams as a man before notifying the public that the suspect “identifies as a black female.”

Mr Williams is charged with premeditated homicide, aggravated assault on an officer or firefighter and resisting an officer without violence.