Cops: Vernon Woman Charged for Spraying Lighter Fluid at Child, Adults During Argument

VERNON, CT - A local woman is charged with spraying lighter fluid at several people — including a child —during a fracas in town Tuesday night, police said.

On Tuesday at 9:38 p.m., Vernon Police were called to the rear of 74-76 Union Street for a report of a disturbance.

When officers arrived, they found Laverne Mayo, 48, of 76 Union St., along with a group of several other neighbors outside the apartments, according to a news release.

There was a heated verbal exchange between the groups, police said.

During the investigation, officers learned that a child, about 3 years old, who lives in a neighboring apartment, was allegedly taunting Mayo through a window, police said.

A verbal argument then ensued between Mayo and several adults who live in the nearby apartment, police said.

The argument became heated and witnesses told police that Mayo picked up a nearby bottle of lighter fluid and sprayed it toward the group, according to a news release.

Some of this fluid struck the arm of one of the adults, who had pushed away a 15-year-old child who was standing with the group, police said.

The push prevented the child from being struck, police said.

The adult was not injured and did not require medical attention. Mayo was arrested at the scene and charged with second-degree breach of peace and risk of injury to a child, police said. She was held overnight at Vernon PD in lieu of a $5,000 bond and is to appear in Rockville Superior Court Wednesday, police said.

Photo Credit: The booking mug shot of Mayo furnished by Vernon police.