13 WTHR - Indianapolis News |12-year-old charged with attempted murder

12-year-old charged with attempted murder

Chris Proffitt/Eyewitness News

Peru - Police say a 12-year-old girl needs help after setting her mother's bed on fire and then leaving the house with her two younger siblings. It happened early Monday morning in southern Miami County.

Indiana State Police aren't identifying the 12-year-old or her family. The girl is charged with attempted murder and arson, accused of setting her mother's bed on fire Monday morning while the 29-year-old woman slept.

"She extinguished the fire and noticed her car and three children, ages 8, 12 and 6 were missing," said Sgt. Tony Slocum, ISP.

Also missing was the mother's cell phone. Investigators say a Miami County deputy called the number. The 12-year-old allegedly said she and her brother and sister in the car with her had been abducted and forced to drive south on US 31 with a kidnapper following in another car.

Nearly an hour after the girl's mother called police, the deputy was talking to the 12-year-old by phone. He persuaded her to stop the car at a rural Howard County intersection where they were picked up by deputies.

All three were unharmed and taken to the state police post in Peru where they were questioned. The other children were released to their mother. Police say the 12-year-old has no criminal history.

Miami County Prosecutor Eric Huneryager said his office was not releasing a motive at this time.

"The mom suffered minor injuries. She refused treatment at the scene. This young lady is in custody and maybe can get the help she needs to get her life on track," said Sgt. Slocum.

A young girl now charged with the attempted murder of her mother in a crime that's confounded investigators.

Police say the girl's father doesn't live with the family in their home south of Peru. The girl's identity is being protected because she is a juvenile.