TRUMBULL COUNTY Police probe how boy, 14, was burned

The 14-year-old was with his friend inside the garage when gasoline ignited.
By PEGGY SINKOVICH
VINDICATOR TRUMBULL STAFF
NEWTON FALLS -- Police are trying to determine how a 14-year-old boy got severely burned.
Douglas Coward of Washington Street is in critical condition this morning at Cleveland Metro Health Center.
Police Chief Robert Carlson said he believes the boy will be in the hospital for several weeks.
"We are being told that he will probably be in that hospital for a few months," Carlson said. "He is going to have to have several surgeries."
Douglas and four other juveniles, ages 12 to 14, were staying the night at a home on East Jay Street.
Douglas and his friend were inside the garage when gasoline ignited, Carlson said.
"We are not exactly sure what happened. That is what we are trying to determine," the chief said. "The one boy tells us that he turned around to pick up a dart and when he looked back his friend was covered in flames."
The boy had attempted to put out the flames but was not successful, police said.
"Other boys came outside the house and used a hose to help," Carlson said. "Police and fire officials were called to the scene, and the boy was taken to the hospital."
Douglas, who was conscious when police arrived, was taken to a local hospital and then taken by helicopter to Cleveland.
Investigation
One of the boys had told police that they were sniffing gasoline but officials have not confirmed that, Carlson said. No one has been criminally charged.
"There are several things we want to look at, and one of the main issues is where was the adult supervision," Carlson said. "Some of these kids said they hadn't seen their parents in two days."
He noted that the boys were outside at 2:45 a.m. Tuesday.
"There was no adult supervision outside and the boys were smoking cigarettes, which is against the law because they are underage, and we are also told there may have been alcohol there too," the chief said. "There are several things we will be looking at to determine if any criminal charges should be filed against the juveniles or adults."
sinkovich@vindy.com