Cache Of Molotov Cocktails Set On Fire With 4 Kids Inside Plant City Home

PLANT CITY, FL — A cache of Molotov cocktails stored inside a Plant City garage was intentionally set on fire, authorities said, which led to the arrest of two adults. Their four children — ages 5 months to 9 years old — are in the custody of the Hillsborough County Sheriff's Office Child Protective Investigations Division.

Plant City Fire Rescue responded to a report of a fire at 3317 Michener Place about 7:30 a.m. Sunday.

The children and their parents were taken to the hospital to be treated for smoke inhalation while firefighters put out the blaze, according to Plant City police.

During a joint investigation by the Plant City Police Department and the Florida Department of Financial Service's Bureau of Fire, investigators said they discovered that the father, Wade R. Cookson, intentionally set the fire in the garage. Detectives discovered a cache of firebombs (Molotov cocktails) in the home.

Police arrested both Oliver, 31, and the children's mother, Ashleigh R. Cookson, 29, for placing the children in danger, according to police.

Oliver was charged with two felony counts of firebombing, arson of a dwelling, felony child neglect and possession of methamphetamine.

Cookson was charged with one felony count of child neglect.