WEST PALM BEACH, FL – An unusual incident unfolded at a Chevron gas station in West Palm Beach last week. A woman, identified as 27-year-old Antonina Pevzer, reportedly hopped into a man’s BMW uninvited, asking for a ride to Miami. When the driver turned her down, the woman reportedly became irate and left the scene, only to return and sneak into the backseat of the car while the driver was inside the gas station.
The owner of the BMW, from inside the gas station, noticed Pevzer in his car and saw her light a cigarette. However, she soon exited his vehicle and disappeared from sight. When Palm Beach Sheriff’s Office (PBSO) deputies arrived at the scene in response to the reported burglary, they apprehended Pevzer and conducted a search of the man’s car.
During the search, deputies discovered a potentially dangerous situation. The cigarette Pevzer had been seen smoking was found in a tissue box in the car, actively igniting the tissues. The potential fire hazard was quickly removed from the vehicle.
According to the report, Pevzer had fled the scene when she saw the patrol car arrive, but was subsequently arrested. She was charged with burglary and unlawful disposal of a lighted object and was booked into the Palm Beach County Jail.
Had the car owner not noticed Pevzer entering his vehicle, the smoldering cigarette could have ignited a fire, potentially causing significant damage to the car. As of Tuesday morning, Pevzer remains in custody with a bond set at $2,000. Her next court appearance is scheduled for early next year.