KERRVILLE, Texas (AP) — A Texas juvenile has been charged with arson after police say he tossed aside a burning gas canister that struck and seriously burned a 10-year-old boy.
City officials in Kerrville, 70 miles northwest of San Antonio, said in a statement Wednesday that the juvenile is “responsible for causing the victim’s severe burns.” Officials haven’t released the identity of the juvenile, who is charged with first-degree arson.
Police say the canister caught alight Sunday as the juvenile poured gasoline onto a fire. Police say he threw the burning canister aside, inadvertently striking the 10-year-old.
The victim’s mother, Tristyn Hatchett, says 20 percent of his body is burned, from ears to belly, and he’s in an induced coma.
Officials haven’t released the victim’s name, but his family told media outlets he is Kayden Culp.
Hatchett says Kayden exhibits autistic behavior but hasn’t been diagnosed.
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