Inset: Jaidynn Penberthy (GoFundMe). Background: Area near New River and Saddle Mountain roads in Phoenix, Arizona, where Jaidynn was injured in a bonfire explosion (Google Maps).
Cops in Arizona are searching for the person who allegedly chucked a car part into a bonfire, causing an explosion that seriously hurt a 16-year-old girl.
Phoenix police said the incident happened around 10:30 p.m. on Oct. 30 in the middle of the desert near New River and Saddle Mountain roads.
The girl, Jaidynn Penberthy, suffered a broken jaw, multiple facial fractures, broken teeth and burns, according to a GoFundMe.
Ethan Glass, Penberthy's brother, told local CBS affiliate KPHO that his sister was standing about 10 feet from the bonfire when someone threw a car shock absorber into the fire. It exploded, and pieces of shrapnel struck Jaidynn "square in the mouth" and rendered her unconscious, according to her brother.
"There was a lot of blood," Glass told the TV station. "It was like a scene out of a horror movie."
Partygoers performed lifesaving measures and Jaidynn's friends rushed her to get help.
She temporarily lost her pulse, and a friend performed a sternum rub.
"[Her friend] said that she lost her pulse for like a minute," Glass recalled.
Jaidynn remains at the hospital and expects a long recovery.
"At just 16 years old, Jaidynn is going through something no one should ever have to experience," the GoFundMe said. "The past few days have been incredibly difficult, and while there are still many unknowns, our main focus is making sure she receives the care and support she needs to make a full recovery."
Police said the suspect is in their teens or early 20s. Anyone with information is asked to call Phoenix police or Silent Witness at 480-WITNESS.
Glass told KPHO that he wants the person held accountable.
"Being kind of an older brother definitely makes me frustrated a lot. I mean, I really don't understand why he would do something of the sort. It makes no sense," Glass said.
Comments