BLOOMINGTON, Ind. -- A Bloomington mother and her adult son escaped with only minor injuries Monday when a man allegedly attempted to set their trailer, and them, on fire.
The 44-year-old woman told Bloomington police that the suspect, John Mark Lawrence Jr., had struck her in the face for no reason and then began pouring rubbing alcohol throughout her trailer and on her and her 22-year-old son.
Lawrence then allegedly used a blowtorch to set the trailer on fire, and also attempted to light the woman and her son on fire.
Both victims managed to escape the trailer by climbing out a rear window.
Police found Lawrence a block away hiding in a drainage culvert. He was taken into custody without incident.
Lawrence reportedly admitted to attacking and threatening the victims, as well as setting the trailer on fire. He was arrested on preliminary charges of attempted murder, arson and battery.
