COLUMBIA, S.C. — A South Carolina woman is accused of intentionally setting her car on fire while her 14-month-old son sat inside, causing him to suffer severe burns, authorities said.
Caylin Allise Watson, 23, of Columbia, was charged with attempted murder, first-degree arson, third-degree arson, and abuse/infliction of great bodily injury on a child, WIS-TV reported. The toddler is listed in critical condition at the Augusta Burn Center, Columbia police Chief Skip Holbrook told WOLO. The child has severe burns on his body, the television station reported.
According to the Columbia Police Department, the car was parked on Interstate 126 West just after 1:30 p.m. Sunday. Four witnesses traveling along the highway saw the car on fire and stopped to help, WIS reported. Police and fire units responded to extinguish the blaze.
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According to police, Watson was detained after investigators said they found evidence suggesting the fire was intentionally set, the television station reported.
Investigators with the Columbia Police Department are continuing to determine the motive for setting the fire, WOLO reported.