Boy, 3, Badly Burned After Father Set Truck On Fire, Jumped Out Window During Chase

[Sugar Cookie]

A 3-year-old South Carolina boy was hospitalized with third degree burns after his father allegedly kidnapped him and led deputies on a chase that ended with a fiery crash.

The boy is receiving critical care at a Georgia burn center for third degree burns that cover 90% of his body.

The Anderson County Sheriff’s Office says deputies were called to a home in Belton, South Carolina, on Wednesday after the child's father, 31-year-old Joshua Dornellas, violently assaulted the boy’s mother. Dornellas then kidnapped the 3-year-old and left the house, deputies say.

Investigators followed the suspect in an unmarked car. They say the boy was in the front seat, and Dornellas threatened his life, WHNS reports.

“Our force was tracking the suspect without initiating blue lights as to not endanger the little boy or nearby drivers,” said a spokesperson for the sheriff’s office.

Around 1 p.m., Dornellas reportedly crossed into Georgia on I-85 and Georgia State Patrol troopers began chasing him.

Troopers say during the pursuit, Dornellas intentionally set a fire in the truck. As the vehicle filled with smoke, troopers say he then jumped out through the window while it was traveling 55 miles per hour, leaving his son behind.

The truck crashed into an embankment and was engulfed in flames with Bennett still inside. Authorities allege Dornellas planned to kill the 3-year-old.

Georgia troopers, Georgia Motor Carrier Compliance Division officers, and South Carolina deputies from Anderson, Franklin and Hart counties all rushed to extinguish the fire and pull the boy from the floorboard of the truck. He suffered severe burns and was airlifted to the Augusta Burn Center.

Dornellas has a history of violence, according to deputies. They say he left five children, all under age 11, unsupervised at home April 21. A toddler was found outside alone. He was charged with domestic violence April 28, and the mother of his children took out an order of protection against him.

Boy, 3, badly burned after father set truck on fire, jumped out window during chase, officials say

A father was arrested after authorities say he kidnapped his 3-year-old son, assaulted the boy's mother and took deputies on a chase that ended with a fiery crash.

www.wsfa.com

 

[cubby]

AND this asshole didn't even want to hurt himself, HE wanted to live just kill the baby, he did this in Georgia and we have the death penalty and ain't afraid to use it. But it will probably be plead down tho the cops were there and KNOW he did it. lets hope for life and if he gets death be extra happy!

 

[McDanel]

Third degree, 90%? Should be a murder charge in a couple of days.

 

[Sugar Cookie]

$46,878 raised of $40,000 goal

We are reaching out on behalf of our little warrior, Bennett, a 3-year-old boy whose life changed dramatically following a tragic incident. On Wednesday, May 8th, Bennett's father violently assaulted his mother at their home in Belton, SC, before kidnapping Bennett. Fleeing the scene, the father led police on a high-speed chase that crossed state lines into Georgia. Following terrible and unfortunate events, Bennett has suffered 3rd degree burns throughout 90% of his little body. His father was arrested and taken into custody.

Bennett is now in a burn center in Augusta, Georgia, sedated and receiving critical care for burns that cover his entire body. He and his mother Chelsea, and their other 2 children have a long, long recovery ahead

Chelsea is a single mother already caring for her other children, including caring for her special needs child. Obviously, the financial expenses are going to be overwhelming as they will have to stay in Augusta, Georgia for the foreseeable future, and she will be out of work to care for her child.

Update

Yesterday by Jeremy Darnell, Organizer

We are blown away by the financial support, thoughts, and prayers we’ve received during this tumultuous time for our family. This tragedy has been an opportune time for us to lean on God and our community. God continues to provide, and you, our community, have a generosity that knows no bounds.

Our family wants to take this moment to recognize the officers, paramedics, and first responders involved in saving Bennett’s life. Specifically, to the officers who risked their lives to pull Bennett from the burning vehicle—you personify the greatness of what the human spirit is capable of. We will never be able to repay your bravery.

We look forward to keeping you updated on Bennett’s long road to recovery as he is currently stable and beginning his journey

Donate to Urgent request for a tragic and violent incident, organized by Jeremy Darnell

Friends, We are reaching out on behalf of our little warrior, Benn… Jeremy Darnell needs your support for Urgent request for a tragic and violent incident

www.gofundme.com

 

[Crazy Cat Lady]

Third degree, 90%? Should be a murder charge in a couple of days.

Even if he pulls through, Bennett's life will be changed forever.