SC mom accused of intentionally setting car on fire with 14-month-old son inside

COLUMBIA, S.C. — Police arrested a woman after they say she intentionally set a car on fire with her toddler inside, according to our sister station WPDE.

Caylin Watson, 23, has been charged with attempted murder, first-degree arson, third-degree arson, abuse and infliction of great bodily injury upon a child.

It happened around 1:30 p.m. Sunday along Interstate 126 in Columbia.

Police said Watson set her car on fire with her 14-month-old son inside while parked on the side of the highway.

Four drivers stopped on the interstate to help the toddler and call 911. The child suffered severe burns and was taken to the Augusta Burn Center in Georgia, where he is in critical condition.

Child abuse likely going unreported during pandemic Child abuse likely going unreported during pandemic

When officers and firefighters found evidence the fire was intentional, Watson was immediately detained. Watson was hurt in the fire, but she is expected to be OK.

Authorities have not said how the fire started or what the motive could have been.

The South Carolina Law Enforcement Division helped the Columbia Police Department with the case.

No other information has been released.

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