Southeast Man Arrested For Setting Pregnant Woman On Fire: Police

CAPITOL HEIGHTS, MD — A Washington, DC man has been arrested for intentionally setting a pregnant woman on fire at her apartment in Capitol Heights. Police arrested Laquinn Phillips, 34, of Southeast Washington Saturday.

Officers were called to the home in the 1400 block of Elkwood Ln. at about 11:47 a.m. Friday for the report of a fire and possible arson. Police said the adult, pregnant woman was doused with gasoline while in the bathtub in her apartment.

The victim—identified as Andrea Grinage, 30—was found outside her apartment suffering from severe burns. After Grinage was burned, she ran outside of her apartment to seek help, police said.

Police spokesperson Jennifer Donelan said Grinage was "critically burned on a large part of her body."

Phillips and Grinage were involved in a romantic relationship, police said. Police said Grinage was able to tell police officers that Phillips was her boyfriend and that he was on the way to D.C. to "do more harm to a relative of hers," Donelan said in the press conference.

Based on that information and additional investigation, detectives identified Phillips as the suspect. Upon speaking with a Prince George's County detective, Phillips agreed to turn himself in, police said. Phillips was arrested outside of his home in D.C. a short time later.

"She was very brave. We want her family to know how brave she was, suffering how badly she was," Doneland said. "Critically burned, worried about her unborn child, dealing with those injuries, and was able to share that information with us."

See Related:

• Pregnant Woman Set On Fire In Prince George's County: Police
• Arson, Domestic Violence Incident In Capitol Heights Leaves 1 Critically Injured: Police

Police brought Grinage to MedStar Washington Hospital Center, where she gave birth to the baby seven weeks early, police said. Grinage and the baby both remain in critical condition, police said.

Phillips is charged with attempted first and second degree murder, arson, assault and several additional related charges. He remains in custody in the District awaiting extradition to Prince George's County. The motive in this case is still under investigation, police said.

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Anyone with information is asked to call the Homicide Unit at 301-772-4925. Callers wishing to remain anonymous may call Crime Solvers at 1-866-411-TIPS (8477), text “PGPD plus your message” to CRIMES (274637) on your cell phone or go towww.pgcrimesolvers.com and submit a tip online.

Photo: Prince George's County Police Department