Man Douses 1-Year-Old In Flammable Liquid, Tries To Set Her On Fire

A man in Florida was arrested for allegedly dousing a 1-year-old girl with flammable liquid, and trying to set the toddler on fire.

Jamie Avery Jr, a 28-year-old truck driver from West Palm Beach, was at a Love's truck stop in Waterloo, New York, when deputies responded Tuesday morning to a call about several fires inside a building.

Seneca County (N.Y.) Sheriff's Office deputies arrived at the scene and detained Avery and another unidentified suspect for allegedly starting the fire, WPTV reported. Deputies also found the 1-year-old child covered in flammable liquid. The police said Avery and the other suspect attempted to set the child ablaze inside the building.

“Luckily, the two were unsuccessful,” said Seneca County Sheriff W. Timothy Luce, according to Cleveland 19 News.

Upon inspecting the building, the deputies found a suspicious device in the men’s bathroom. The bomb squad arrived at the scene while the building was evacuated. Officials eventually determined that the device was not explosive, but a makeshift replica. The scene was declared safe in about four hours.

A 4-year-old boy was also found inside the cab of Avery’s tractor-trailer with possible head injuries. Deputies had to force themselves into the cab to get to the child. It was unclear how the child sustained the injuries.

Both the children were taken to the hospital and are expected to make full recoveries.

Deputies were reportedly trying to determine how the children were related to Avery.

“We believe there is a parental relationship, but we haven’t fully determined that yet,” said Seneca County District Attorney Mark Sinkiewicz, according to the outlet.

Avery was charged with second-degree aggravated attempted murder, second-degree attempted murder, second-degree arson, second-degree attempted arson and two counts of endangering the welfare of a child. He may face additional charges following the investigation.

The second suspect is also expected to face charges.

"We definitely are touched by these types of cases," Lt. Timothy Thompson of Seneca County's Sheriff's Office said, according to CNYCentral.com. "It hits home for those that have children. I think we are all doing well, and we have a support system in place to make sure we do well and continue to monitor each other to make sure we are mentally health [sic]. But no doubt, these cases take a toll, and are difficult and challenging to work.”