Officials: Mom, Cousin Charged With Arson, Attempted Kidnapping In South Jersey
WASHINGTON Twp., NJ (CBS) – A mother and her cousin are charged with arson, burglary and attempted kidnapping in Gloucester County, New Jersey.
Authorities say Lynette McGuire and Denise Coyle, both of Bensalem, caused a fire at a residence on Lafayette Court in Washington Township Thursday night.
Officials say McGuire's three-year-old daughter lives at the home with her grandparents and three siblings.
They all were able to safely escape the residence, but the home suffered extensive damage.
McGuire and Coyle were apprehended by police at Route 42 and Fries Mill Road, which is about a mile from the home of the grandparents.
Authorities believe the fire was started in the garage.
"If not for the timely response of the Washington Township Police Department and the Washington Township Fire Department, this incident may have ended quite differently," said Gloucester County Prosecutor Sean F. Dalton.
"My thanks to all the first responders, along with the Gloucester County Fire Marshal's Office, the ATF and GCPO Arson and Crime Scene units for their assistance."
Authorities say both women are charged with aggravated arson, attempted kidnapping and burglary. They are being held in default of $100,000 bail each.
Additional charges are pending, authorities say.
