A homeless couple escaped injury when a man entered their tent at a homeless camp, assaulted the woman, and then tried to set the tent on fire, Gainesville Police said Monday.
The incident happened Wednesday at an encampment off Dorsey Street. According to investigators, Jason Steve Cole, 50, allegedly tore the tent during the incident.
After the assault, Cole attempted to set the tent on fire while the couple was still inside, police said, but the fire did not spread, and no serious injuries were reported.
Cole was arrested later that night and booked into the Hall County Jail. He faces charges of criminal trespass, battery, first‑degree arson and probation violation. He was still behind bars early Monday afternoon.