Madison Woman Charged With Attempted Aggravated Arson

MADISON – A local woman faces felony charges after allegedly throwing a “Molotov cocktail” towards an occupied home in Madison.

Kimberley A. Watson, 60, of Madison, Ill., was charged on Feb. 19, 2026 with one count each of attempted aggravated arson and possession of an explosive or incendiary device, both Class 1 felonies.

Watson is accused of possessing a flammable liquid within a glass container which charging documents state is “commonly known as a Molotov cocktail,” which she reportedly intended to use to commit an arson.

On Feb. 17, 2026, Watson allegedly “threw a glass jar containing an activated accelerant” towards an occupied residence in Madison on Feb. 17, 2026, which charging documents state “caused flames to ignite near the residence.”

The Madison County State’s Attorney’s Office filed a petition to deny Watson’s pretrial release from custody in this case. According to the petition, the residents of the home reported having a prior conflict with Watson before the alleged attempted arson.

“Witness reported hearing glass break and flames ignite in vegetation near the back porch. Witness reported seeing defendant running from the scene,” the petition states. “Residents went out and put out the fire before it could ignite the residence. Officers located a broken glass container, which smelled of accelerant with a white cloth in it.”

Watson was ordered remanded to jail for her initial court appearance in this case, which was presented by the Madison Police Department.

All individuals charged are presumed innocent until proven guilty in a court of law.

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