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Edgar James Bridgemon, a 24-year-old Texas father, has been arrested for allegedly forcing his 4-month-old daughter to drink gasoline.
According to a report published by Law & Crime on August 13, Bridgemon is now facing an attempted capital murder charge and a charge of evading arrest. The outlet reported that the 24-year-old was initially being held in custody in Paris, Texas, on a bond of at least $250,000.
Nonetheless, Law & Crime asserted that it was unclear whether Bridgemon had retained an attorney.
According to the outlet, authorities arrived at a residence on Saturday, August 10. Fox 4 News adds that the infant’s mother called for emergency services.
Furthermore, when police arrived, they reportedly learned that the infant had “intentionally” been given gasoline to drink by Bridgemon. According to USA Today, the mother had “briefly” left the child in Brigdemon’s care.
“[The mother] presented the child to the officers and said that the child’s father had actually given it gasoline to drink. The child was breathing. The child was awake and crying,” Paris Police Capt. Terry Bull reportedly told Fox 4 News.
According to the outlet, Bridgemon was at the scene during police’s arrival and allegedly tried to flee on foot.
“Bridgemon admitted to having given the infant gasoline to drink with the intention of ending the child’s life,” authorities reportedly explained per Law & Crime.
Additionally, the infant’s mother reportedly spoke to Fox 4 News about Bridgemon’s alleged actions.
“It’s terrifying. I don’t think I can ever trust somebody with my kids again,” the mother, who wished to remain anonymous, explained. “…I asked him, ‘Why does it smell like gas? Why does it smell like gas in my house?'”
According to Law & Crime, the infant was taken to a facility in the Dallas-Fort Worth area for medical treatment. Fox 4 News recently reported that the infant is being cared for at the Children’s Medical Center.
“I just want my baby to come home. I want to hold her again. It breaks my heart; it really does,” the mother told the outlet.
Meanwhile, Law & Crime notes that Bridgemon could face “up to life in prison” if convicted of his charges. Furthermore, USA Today adds that an investigation into the incident remained ongoing as of Tuesday, August 13.
