Child saved from burning car after mom set it on fire

COLUMBIA, SC – Columbia Police Chief W.H. “Skip” Holbrook announces the arrest of a 23-year-old mother accused of intentionally harming her 14-month old child during a car fire on a busy Interstate. Caylin Allise Watson (DOB: 3-10-1997) of Elgin is currently housed at the Alvin S. Glenn Detention Center (ASGDC) charged with Attempted Murder, Arson – First Degree, Arson – Third Degree and Abuse / Infliction of Great Bodily Injury upon a Child. Shortly after 1:30 p.m. on Sunday, May 17, 2020, while parked along mile marker 1 on Interstate-126, westbound, Watson is accused of setting her car on fire while her son sat inside.

As a result, the child suffered severe burns all over his body and is in critical condition at the Augusta Burn Center in Augusta, Georgia. Watson was initially treated at a local hospital for minor injuries before being taken to jail. Four bystanders who were all traveling in the same direction on the Interstate saw the car on fire and stopped to assist by either calling 9-1-1 or getting out of their vehicles to help the child. Moments after the heroic efforts, CPD officers arrived on scene and the Columbia Fire Department (CFD) extinguished the flames. The suspect was immediately detained after evidence suggested that the fire may have been intentionally set.

The South Carolina Law Enforcement Division (SLED) assisted CPD with processing the crime scene, including taking photographs and collecting evidence. CPD investigators continue to determine the motive for the incident.

A GoFundMe page has been set up to help the baby’s father.

“Kairon is my first and only 13 month old son who’s mother, on May 17th, set her car on fire with him in his car seat in the back of the car. He has touched the lives of so many with his beautiful smile and his Sweet Soul. Growing up and being an adult in today’s society you never think anything like this can hit so close to home,” said dad Steven Bramsen. “He has suffered 2nd and 3rd degree burns on 20% of his body on areas around his face, hands, legs, and feet. He’s currently at Augusta burn center in Georgia, where he will need multiple surgeries of skin grafts while he is there. He will also need future skin graft surgeries as well. We are attempting to raise money to cover any medical expenses, hospital stay, surgeries supplies, and more.”

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