An Orange County firefighter was arrested last week after allegedly throwing dozens of tampons across her ex-boyfriend’s front yard in an apparent act of harassment, according to the Volusia Sheriff’s Office.
Deputies responded to a home in Volusia County on Thursday evening after the homeowner and his current partner discovered approximately 75 opened tampons scattered throughout their yard. The tampons were reportedly stained red, leading officials to suspect they may have been used.
Security footage reviewed by investigators showed a vehicle pulling up to the residence earlier in the week. A woman, identified as 28-year-old Gabrielle Franze, was seen throwing the tampons onto the property. Authorities said Franze, who had recently separated from the homeowner, was upset about his new relationship.
Initially, Franze denied knowing the location of her ex-boyfriend’s home. However, after being presented with license plate reader evidence, she admitted to being there but claimed the idea came from her mother and aunt, who were visiting from out of state.
According to the arrest affidavit, Franze stated the plan was devised during their visit. Investigators later confirmed the women drove to the home together and threw more than 100 “bloodied tampons” onto the yard and driveway.
Franze, a firefighter and paramedic with Orange County Fire Rescue at the time of the incident, was arrested on Friday. She faces two counts of stalking and was released on bail the same day.