BONNEAU, S.C. — A Bonneau woman has been arrested after Berkeley County deputies say she threw a chemical substance on a man during a domestic altercation, leaving him with severe burns that required emergency treatment at a specialized burn center.
Berkeley County Sheriff Duane Lewis announced Friday that Lindsay Nicole Garcia, 38, of Jinks Lane, has been charged with domestic violence of a high and aggravated nature and first-degree burglary following an investigation into the June 15 incident.
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Deputies were dispatched to a residence on Cozy Wood Drive after receiving reports of an assault in progress.
When deputies arrived, they were directed inside the home, where they discovered an adult male suffering from what authorities described as severe chemical burns.
According to investigators, the victim was found inside a bathroom attempting to wash an unknown substance from his body.
Emergency Medical Services responded to the scene and transported the man to the MUSC Burn Center for emergency medical treatment.
Witnesses Report Chemical Was Thrown During Altercation
According to the sheriff’s office, preliminary findings indicate Garcia and the victim were involved in an altercation inside the residence before the incident occurred.
Witnesses told investigators that Garcia allegedly threw a chemical substance on the victim before leaving the scene prior to deputies’ arrival.
Authorities have not publicly identified the substance involved, and investigators have not released additional details regarding the victim’s condition.
HAZMAT Team Called to Scene
Because the substance was initially unknown, investigators took additional precautions while processing the scene.
Berkeley County HAZMAT personnel and fire officials responded to assist deputies, secure the residence and ensure the safety of first responders and others at the scene.
The Berkeley County Sheriff’s Office Criminal Investigations Division and Forensics Unit subsequently assumed responsibility for the investigation.
Bond Denied
Garcia was arrested and booked into the Hill-Finklea Detention Center.
According to the Sheriff’s Office, her bond was denied during a bond court hearing.
The investigation remains ongoing.
As with all criminal cases, the charges against Garcia are allegations, and she is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty in court.
