Washington County man accused of attempted murder and arson

A Johnson City woman escaped with her life Thursday night after police said her son doused her and her home with gasoline— the source of the blaze that destroyed the structure on South Pickens Bridge Road.

A county Sheriff’s Office report said Dustin Machen, 32, is charged with attempted first degree murder, aggravated arson and burglary and especially aggravated kidnapping. The victim received burns on her arms while escaping the fire and running to a neighbor’s home to call police.

Investigators said Machen, found close to the fire site and arrested by officers, had destroyed his mother’s cell phone before leaving the property. Sheriff Keith Sexton said there were prior visits made by officers to the home for domestic issues.

(IMAGE: Property of Washington County TN Sheriff’s Office)