A TRUCK driver has been arrested for allegedly attempting to set a one-year-old baby on fire, as another child was found nearby with head injuries.
Jamie Avery, Jr, 28, was charged with attempted murder after the Seneca County Sheriff’s Office in upstate New York responded to several fires inside a gas station in the town of Tyre.
Once on scene, authorities report an infant was found doused in flammable liquid.
While deputies were searching the building, a “suspicious device” was located in the men’s bathroom, according to WPBF.
The building was evacuated and several bomb squad units were called to the scene, but it was determined to be a “makeshift replica,” according to the news outlet.
It was around that time, authorities say they also found a second child – a 4-year-old with head injuries – inside the cab of a tractor trailer.
According to WABC, Avery Jr., of West Palm Beach, Florida, was arrested and faces charges of arson, and endangering the welfare of a child.
Charges against a second suspect, with Avery at the time, are also expected in the near future, the report goes on to reveal.
The child was taken to Geneva General Hospital, and was later airlifted to Strong Memorial Hospital, according to WSTM.
Both children are expected to make full recoveries, according to reports.
“It is alleged that the two suspects had poured a flammable liquid on the 1-year-old child and attempted to light the child on fire inside the building,” Lt. Timothy Thompson said in a news conference, according to WPBF.
The lieutenant went on to say, “luckily the two were unsuccessful,” per WPBF.
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The station goes on to report that Thompson revealed “circumstances surrounding the 4-year-old are still under investigation.”
Investigators believe Avery was a parent to the children, according to the report. No motive has been released and an investigation surrounding the 4-year-old is ongoing.
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