7-year-old accused of setting house on fire with family inside, step-father arrested
WASHINGTON (TND) — A 7-year-old from West Virginia was charged with first-degree arson for setting a house on fire while the child's parents were inside the home sleeping, according to authorities.
The Jackson County Sheriff's Department on Wednesday said while two people suffered minor burn injuries, "everyone made it out of the home alive."
The sheriff's office shared a photo of the scene, which showed the home engulfed in flames.
The department later said the child's step-father, 38-year-old Aaron Hufford, of Sandyville, was arrested for child abuse of the same 7 year old.
"The thorough investigation continues with Detective Seth Fisher and Detective Gary Baldwin leading the way," according to the sheriff's department.
The department did not name the child.
"No further information will be released regarding the investigation because of the sensitive nature of the case," the department noted on social media. "Special thanks goes out this evening to the responding volunteer fire departments and the WV State Fire Marshal's Office."
