Babysitter Charged After 3- And 6-Year-Old Start Houston-Area Motel Fire With Lighter
SPRING, Texas (CBSDFW.COM/AP) — Two young children were alone, found a cigarette lighter and caused a 3-alarm fire at a Houston-area motel, now their babysitter is being charged with child abandonment.
Seven people suffered minor injuries in the Wednesday fire at the Motel 6 North just off Interstate 45 in Spring, about 20 miles north of Houston. Rachel Moreno, spokeswoman for the Harris County Fire Marshal's Office, said the two siblings, ages 3 and 6, were among the seven.
Witnesses reportedly saw the children holding a lighter while running from a motel room.
Just before daylight a tapped out three alarm fire rekindled at Cypresswood and I45. @Springfdtx crews quickly handled the new fire and are putting more water on the structure. pic.twitter.com/DwWhwpMuqh
— Spring Fire Department (@Springfdtx) October 10, 2019
The warrants issued Thursday charge 31-year-old Tara Elizabeth Piccione with two counts of child abandonment with intent to return. Witnesses say she was seen returning to the motel with a pizza as the motel was being evacuated.
Piccione had yet to be arrested Thursday night.
(© Copyright 2019 CBS Broadcasting Inc. All Rights Reserved. The Associated Press contributed to this report.)