The Adobe Flash Player is required to view this multimedia interactive. Get it here.

Dayton man charged after woman, baby burned

Contributed photo Jason Turk, 27, of Dayton.

Man, 68, drowns at Caesar Creek Lake
5/26/12
Water rescues prompt warning from health officials
5/25/12
Beach Waterpark sued for failure to deliver
5/25/12
Raleigh Trammell’s defense opens in felony trial
5/25/12
UD to move satellite campus to Dublin
5/25/12
> More headlines

By Kelli Wynn, Staff Writer Updated 2:14 PM Thursday, June 30, 2011

HARRISON TWP., Montgomery County — A Dayton man has been charged with aggravated arson after Montgomery County sheriff’s deputies said he was responsible for an outdoor fire that left a mother and her baby burned.

The U.S. Marshals’ SOFAST Task Force arrested Jason Turk, 27, of East Fifth Street, Thursday afternoon after an arrest warrant had been issued, according to Maj. David Hale of the Montgomery County Sheriff’s Office.

The incident happened shortly after 1 a.m. Monday at 2148 Lodell Ave., Hale said.

Turk was a guest at the Lodell Ave. address when he allegedly poured gasoline on a bonfire in the back yard. The mother and her baby, who live at the Lodell address, were seated nearby.

“The mother stated (Turk) was pouring gasoline on the fire when he accidentally splashed it on her and the baby. As Turk was pouring the gasoline on the fire, the gas can caught on fire,” Hale said. “Unable to put the gas can out, Turk threw the gas can over the top of the victims.” This action ignited the gasoline that had spilled on the mother and her baby, causing burns to both of them.

The mother and the baby were treated and released from a local hospital.

Deputies have not determined exactly why Turk allegedly poured the gasoline on the bonfire or threw the gas can.

There was alcohol present at the gathering, however deputies have not yet determined if Turk was intoxicated at the time , Hale said.

Harrison Twp. Fire Chief Mark Lynch said bonfires are permitted in the township, but residents must obtain a permit from the fire department’s headquarters at 2400 Turner Road.

Lynch did not immediately know if someone had obtained a permit for the Lodell address.

The permits are free, but residents must comply with the guidelines, which state that no combustible liquid can be used to start the bonfires. The guidelines for township residents also state the following:

• Seasoned firewood only

• The bonfire cannot be near any structures, trees or electrical lines

• The bonfire cannot be any larger than 5x5 feet.

• An extinguishing media, such as a fire extinguisher or garden hose, must be present while fire is burning.

Contact this reporter at (937) 225-2414 or kwynn@DaytonDailyNews.com.

Share this article