In a shocking incident, a seven-year-old child is currently under arrest and facing first-degree arson charges in Jackson County, West Virginia. The young child is alleged to have intentionally ignited a fire in his family home, with his parents inside at the time of the event.
According to the local Sheriff’s Department, the family managed to escape the blazing structure. However, two individuals sustained minor burn injuries. A graphic image depicting the house consumed by fire was released on social media by the department.
The department has stated that it will not be releasing any additional details at present while the investigation continues.
Laws regarding the arrest of minors differ from state to state. In West Virginia, legal procedures allow for the possibility of citing children or lodging a formal criminal complaint against them.
Regardless of varying legislation, the frequency of juvenile arrests in the U.S. remains a concern. Data analysis by CBS News has revealed that during the 2017-2018 academic year, over 700 arrests were made in elementary schools across the country.