Deputies: Florida man tried to set 1-year-old on fire at New York truck stop

TYRE, N.Y. — Investigators said a Florida man accused of trying to light a baby on fire also had an injured young child locked in his truck.

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In a news conference, deputies with the Seneca County Sheriff’s Office announced charges had been filed against Jamie Avery, of West Palm Beach, Florida.

Deputies said they were initially called to a truck stop in Tyre, New York, early Tuesday morning for reports of several fires in the building. When they arrived, investigators said they found two men who had started and were attempting to start fires, as well as a 1-year-old child covered in flammable liquid.

While investigating the scene, deputies found a 4-year-old child “hurt and abandoned” in the cab of a tractor-trailer. In the news conference, deputies said the 4-year-old was airlifted to a hospital because of concern for potential head injuries.

Avery was charged with second-degree aggravated attempted murder, second-degree attempted murder, second-degree arson, second-degree attempted arson and two counts of endangering the welfare of a child, WHAM reported.

While on scene, deputies found what they called a “suspicious device” in the bathroom which was later determined to be a “makeshift replica,” deputies said in the press conference.

“We are definitely touched by these types of cases and it definitely hits home for those that have children,” Lt. Timothy Thompson of the Seneca County Sheriff’s Office said at the news conference. “There’s no doubt about it, these cases take a toll and they’re difficult and challenging to work on.”

Investigators did not offer any possible motive in the case, and said they were still investigating how the 4-year-old was injured.

Both children are expected to make full recoveries.

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