Gunman accused of threatening to burn down home he shares with ex-girlfriend arrested after standoff: HCSO

SPRING HILL, Fla. – A confrontation in Hernando County ended up with an ex-boyfriend abandoned and handcuffed.

According to the Hernando County Sheriff’s Office, a woman called 911 shortly after 3 a.m. Wednesday and said her ex-boyfriend, Jack French, called her threatening to burn down the home they shared on Riddle Drive in Spring Hill.

The victim told detectives that French was upset about their recent breakup and texted her pictures of gas cans.

Officers who went to the home said they saw French, a convicted felon, standing outside loading firearms into a vehicle.

When officers tried to talk to him, they said he grabbed a rifle and another handgun and ran into the home.

VIDEO: Florida linemen wade into chest-deep water to restore power after Hurricane Milton

Officers used a cell phone to speak with French and said he made several suicidal statements.

At one point, officers reported hearing the sound of a gunshot.

Mug photo of Jack French courtesy of the Hernando County Sheriff’s Office.

French told officers he accidentally fired a shot while opening a door.

French left the house shortly before 8 a.m. and was arrested.

He told officers he was upset about breaking up with his girlfriend.

READ: Man accused of impersonating officer and running red light in front of Hernando County deputy

He went on to say that he poured gasoline on the floor of the house, but never tried to set it on fire.

Deputies said they found a 5-gallon gasoline container, 11 firearms and more than 1,000 bullets of various calibers inside the home.

French was arrested and charged with possession of a firearm by a felon and attempted arson.

Anyone with information about this case is asked to call Hernando County Crime Stoppers at 1-866-990-8477 or **TIPS from a cell phone. Tipsters will remain anonymous and may be eligible for a cash reward.

STAY CONNECTED WITH FOX 13 TAMPA: