Pray for Bentlee...

 

Update: The original photo sent us was of Bentlee's brother Kash. We are replacing it with a mug shot of Hazelwood. Also, Bentlee's mother wanted to make sure everyone knows she was not in the fire and is well.

On Sunday morning, Bentlee Hazelwood was in an upstairs unit at the Rogersville Park Apartments when a fire broke out. Investigators say the home was intentionally torched. All eight units were damaged, but Rogersville Fire and Rescue, along with several other departments, managed to bring the blaze under control.

Officer Tyler Dison of the Rogersville Police was first to arrive at the fire and made a dramatic rescue of the three year-old Bentlee who was trapped on the top floor. The young boy reportedly received second and third degree burns on his legs and lower torso.

Officer Dison placed the child in his vehicle and drove to meet the ambulance. Upon arrival at NAMC, Bentlee was then flown to UAB to be treated for serious injuries and other trauma, but is expected to recover. Please pray for this child and his mother at this time.

The cause of the fire is reported to be arson, and Bentlee's father Jared Lynn Hazelwood has been arrested and charged with seven counts of First Degree Arson, with more charges expected. A member of Bentlee's extended family has stated an older child living in the home was unhurt.

Jared Hazelwood's official address is Athens, but it's been reported that he was living with Bentlee and the child's mother in Rogersville. J. Hazelwood, 44, is currently being held in the Lauderdale County Detention Center on a bond of $420,000.00. Authorities say that these charges may be upgraded at the time of indictment.

As well as praying that Bentlee recovers from his wounds, let's also pray for justice for this child and the other victims.