12-year old Dothan girl arrested for setting younger brother on fire

A 12-year old Dothan girl was arrested this weekend for setting her 10-year old brother on fire causing what police term serious injuries.

“We responded to the Southeast Alabama Medical Center late Friday night and found the boy had received the burns,” Dothan Police Investigator James Harvey told WTVY. The victim was taken to the hospital by family members.

Harvey said it’s believed the girl sprayed or poured hair spritz on her brother’s back and ignited the substance. He said the incident occurred at the family’s home.

The victim suffered burns to the arms and back and was later transferred to the University of Alabama Birmingham Hospital. He is expected to recover.

“We arrested the girl on a First-Degree Assault charge and the Juvenile Court System was notified but the girl is too young to be turned over to them,” Harvey said. He wouldn’t release a motive other than to term the incident foul play.

The Department of Human Resources were also notified, he said.

The names of the suspect and victim won’t be released due to their ages.

--Updated at 5:27 p.m. to reflect juvenile authorities were notified but child is too young to be turned over to them and that DHR was also notified.