Audio By Carbonatix
Today is Local News Day
A national day of action to support and celebrate the trusted local journalism that strengthens communities. If you believe local news matters — this is the day to show your support. Make a contribution today to help keep our reporting free and accessible to all.
A Phoenix man was arrested Monday night after two children under his care got burned while playing with a fire in the man’s backyard.
The Phoenix Fire Department was called to a house near 83rd Avenue and west Buckeye Road, where there were reports of a burn victim.
When fire units got to the house, they found a the 32-year-old homeowner’s son with first-degree burns and a 12-year-old neighbor with first- and second-degree burns.
Police say the homeowner, Cody J. Hutchens, was lighting fires in his backyard and allowing the children to throw pressurized aerosol cans into the flames. Brilliant.
“We found about half a dozen cans of burned spray paint around the fire,” says Phoenix Police spokesman Trent Crump.
Needless to say, the cans blew up, burning the children, who were both hospitalized.
Crump says there was an overwhelming smell of fire and chemicals when police arrived and Hutchens was drunk.
There was alcohol involved? Imagine that.
Hutchens was arrested on charges of aggravated assault, and endangerment, but the children are expected to be okay.
