A Texas family is living in fear after terrifying security footage showed a hooded figure setting their home on fire in the middle of the night.
The Wilson family — six adults and two children — were asleep inside their Midlothian home on August 12 when the alleged arsonist poured gasoline around the front door, windows, and garage before sparking the flames and running off.
Thankfully, tragedy was avoided because 21-year-old Malia Wilson, who was home from college for the summer, happened to still be awake. Her bedroom sits directly above the garage, and when the motion-activated lights came on, she went to check and saw the fire blazing outside. She immediately woke her father, Darryl Wilson, and called 911.
“At first I thought I was dreaming,” Darryl told CBS News, recalling how his daughter shook him awake as the house began to burn. His wife, Wahsheida, said she was stunned after watching the security footage. “I was shocked. I’m like, this can’t be real. Who would do this? Like, we keep to ourselves.”
Darryl initially tried to douse the fire with cups of water and then pots before firefighters arrived. His older daughter, Mylah Rivera, later shared screenshots and video grabs on Facebook, pleading with the public to help identify the suspect. “I wouldn’t wish this on anyone,” Rivera told CBS. “I have a 1-year-old daughter. What if my sister wasn’t up to see it? It could’ve been so much worse.”
Although no one was hurt, the family has been left shaken. They’ve now resorted to taking shifts at night, staying awake in rotations to watch the windows and cameras. “My kids don’t want to stay. My wife doesn’t want to stay. They’re traumatized,” Darryl said. “It’s a hurting thing for someone to come to my home and do that. And I feel helpless as a father.”
The Midlothian Police Department confirmed it is investigating the case as arson. The Wilsons say they do not recognize the man in the footage but are desperate for answers — and considering moving away altogether after the terrifying attack.
Hope they catch the creep and maybe give him the same treatment he was planning for others.It is time to reap what you are sowing