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Vernon Police: Woman squirted lighter fluid at group after 3-year-old taunted her

VERNON — A Vernon woman is facing charges after police said she squirted lighter fluid at a group of neighbors that included a child. On Tuesday, August 2...
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VERNON -- A Vernon woman is facing charges after police said she squirted lighter fluid at a group of neighbors that included a child.

On Tuesday, August 2, police were called to apartments on Union Street around 9:40 p.m.

There was a heated exchange between Laverne Mayo, 48, and a several other neighbors outside, police said.

At one point, a 3-year-old who lives in a nearby apartment was taunting Mayo through the window, police said. That's what police believe led to the argument between the groups.

When the argument became heated, police said, Mayo picked up a bottle of lighter fluid and sprayed it toward the group.

"Some of this fluid struck the arm of one of the adults, who had pushed a 15 year old child that was standing with the group out of the way so the child would not be struck," Lt. William Meier said in a statement. No one was injured.

Pam Schultz said as soon as her family members saw Mayo grab a bottle of lighter fluid, they protected the kids, including a 15 year-old, 10 year-old, and 3-year-old. “We started pulling everybody away because she said she was gonna blow us up," said Schultz.

Schultz said she, her daughter, Alisha Baker, and a pregnant niece were all sprayed with lighter fluid.

Mayo is charged with breach of peace and risk of injury to a child. She appeared in court Wednesday and was released on a promise to appear at her next court date, with the condition that she not interact or contact her neighbors.

The neighbors were upset with the decision. Alisha Baker said, “She said she was gonna light us all on fire. She's dangerous and shouldn't be around children.”

Police say they’ve been called to this address before for heated arguments, but nothing came of it.

Mayo has several prior convictions including interfering with police and resisting arrest. She’s due back on court August 31.

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