Iowa City man accused of lighting fake flowers on fire, throwing them at girlfriend

An Iowa City man was arrested Monday on charges that, during an argument with his girlfriend of eight years, he lit fake flowers on fire and threw them at her, according to a criminal complaint.

Ray Dell Palmer, 55, is charged with first-degree arson and domestic abuse assault.

The flaming flowers caused minor burns on the woman’s fingers and hair, and then landed on the bed and started a fire, which was quickly put out, according to the complaint.

First responders were called to the scene around 4:40 p.m., and Palmer left before police arrived. Two other people were in the apartment building, on East Bloomington Street, at the time of the fire, the complaint states.

Palmer had his first appearance in court Tuesday and is being held in the Johnson County Jail on a $27,000 bond. A no-contact order has been filed on behalf of the woman.

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