Jonesborough, TN – A 32-year-old man is in custody after authorities say he allegedly set a residence on fire and attacked a victim inside early Thursday morning in Washington County.
According to the Washington County Sheriff’s Office, deputies responded to an arson call Thursday at a home on S. Pickens Bridge Road, where they found the residence fully engulfed in flames. Officials allege that Dustin Machen set the fire while a victim was still inside the home.
Investigators say Machen allegedly threw gasoline on the victim and the residence as she attempted to escape. Authorities further allege he destroyed her cell phone to prevent her from calling 911. Despite the circumstances, the victim managed to flee the home and reach a neighbor’s house, where she called for help.
The victim sustained burns to her arms and was transported to a local hospital for treatment. Her current condition has not been publicly detailed.
Deputies later located Machen nearby and took him into custody without incident. He is being held at the Washington County Detention Center without bond.
Machen is charged with multiple offenses, including attempted first-degree murder, attempted especially aggravated kidnapping, aggravated arson, aggravated burglary, and interference with a 911 call. Authorities allege the sequence of events reflects a deliberate and repeated escalation of violence.
The investigation remains ongoing. Officials have not released additional details about what may have led up to the incident.
Anyone with information related to the case is encouraged to contact the Washington County Sheriff’s Office.
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