12-year-old hospitalized after brother throws gas on him, lights him on fire, officials say

CLARK COUNTY, Ohio (WHIO) - A community is in shock after a 12-year-old was burned with gasoline by his brother.

Investigators said two brothers were playing with gasoline.

One went to the hospital with burns, and the other is in juvenile detention facing arson charges.

“It’s crazy. It’s made me cry, man,” resident Bruce Mitchell said.

Questionable decisions led to a night the family and community will never forget.

“Hope they make it, man. I’m gonna pray for him,” Mitchell said.

On Saturday night, the children decided to play with gasoline.

Investigators said the kids were playing, but it went horribly wrong.

“Acquired gasoline and were throwing gasoline on each other and setting it on fire for whatever reason,” said Lt. Kristopher Shultz with the Clark County Sheriff’s Office.

Deputies learned that the throwing and lighting of the gasoline was intentional.

A child is now charged with aggravated arson and felonious assault.

The victim is currently being treated at a burn center and has non-life-threatening injuries.

Deborah Taylor could not believe what she heard.

“It’s very sad and disturbing to hear. I mean gasoline, yeah, and to get a hold of it like that, to throw it and to even think you don’t think that’s not going to hurt?” she said.

Police are investigating the roles other children who were also present may have played.