AUGUSTA, Ga. — Bennett Dornellas had his guardian angels by his side as he left the burn center at Doctors Hospital of Augusta this week.
The Georgia State Patrol troopers who saved his life escorted him back home.
Bennett has been in intensive care at the hospital since May, when his father allegedly kidnapped him and doused him with gasoline, and lit the car on fire, severely burning the 3-year-old.
Anderson County sheriff's deputies said it started at a home on Harris Avenue in Anderson County, South Carolina. The father, whom GSP troopers identified as 32-year-old Joshua Bennett Dornellas, allegedly violently assaulted the mother of their son.
He then allegedly kidnapped his son, which led to a chase down I-85 across the Georgia state line around 1 p.m., where Georgia State Patrol became involved.
GSP issued a news release in May, explaining that Hart County deputies attempted to stop the vehicle when it first entered state lines. That's when a pursuit ensued, and GSP troopers became the primary agency involved.
Troopers also tried a box-in maneuver to stop the man's car but were unsuccessful.
GSP also explained that Dornellas threatened to kill the child.
The Georgia agency stated that the suspect intentionally set his car on fire with the child still inside and jumped out of the driver's window while traveling 55 mph.
The car then crashed into an embankment fully engulfed in flames near mile marker 166, according to GSP.
"Following terrible and unfortunate events, Bennett has suffered 3rd-degree burns throughout 90% of his little body," the family said in an online fundraiser.
GSP troopers and other law enforcement agencies were able to extinguish the fire and rescue the 3-year-old boy who had severe burns.
After rushing Bennett to the hospital, the GSP troopers who saved his life continued to support him.
When they found out his release date, they all came to the hospital, and brought him toys donated by the community.
"SFC Fleming, SGT Dean, CPL Andrews, CPL Gandy, TFC2 Green, TFC2 Anderson, and TFC1 Pratz were honored to receive the opportunity to deliver a care package to 3-year-old Bennett Dornellas and his family at the JMS Burn Center at Doctors Hospital in Augusta, Georgia. Bennett was released to return home this morning, and this care package was just the start of his great day!" said Trooper Sgt. Ray Dean.
Bennett will require around the clock medical assistance as he continues to heal.
The troopers intend to support him in every step of his recovery.
