Two young children were rescued from a bizarre incident at a Seneca County truck stop this week during which one suffered head injuries, and authorities believe one narrowly escaped being set on fire.
Seneca County Sheriff Tim Luce says his deputies were called to the Love’s Truck Stop in Tyre on Tuesday for a report of fires in the building. They found two men setting the fires and immediately detained both. With them was a year-old girl who had been doused in a flammable liquid. Authorities believe the men tried, but failed, to set her on fire.
Outside, deputies found a four-year-old in a tractor-trailer cab who appeared to have suffered head injuries. They forced their way into the truck and rescued that child. Both were eventually taken to Strong Memorial Hospital and were expected to make full recoveries.
Seneca County authorities say 28-year-old Jamie Avery, Jr of West Palm Beach Florida was charged with attempted aggravated murder, attempted murder, arson, attempted arson and endangering the welfare of a child. He was being held on $100,000 bail. The second man has not yet been charged, but will likely be at a later time.
Officials believe Avery was the children’s father, but aren’t certain. They’re also uncertain of what led up to this incident or why it happened in Seneca County
Avery is a truck driver who has ties to the Syracuse area.