Resident risks life saving children

Friday, April 27, 2001

CHARLESTON - Officers with the Charleston Department of Public Safety have arrested a woman for endangering the welfare of a child in connection with an afternoon fire.

Tylisha Lee, 21, was arrested after her two-month-old child, Kikia Ewing, suffered injuries in a structure fire reported to Charleston DPS at 3:33 p.m. Friday at 502 Carver St.

While conducting the investigation, officers determined that Lee was not at the residence at the time of the fire, leaving Ewing and two other children, ages 2 and 5, in the house alone.

The children were saved by Derrick Evans, 39, who ran into the burning residence to rescue all three children.

Evans was standing outside in the area of the house when he saw an orange reflection in the window. He then saw a small male child come outside of the residence and then go back inside. Realizing that the orange reflection was flames, Evans ran into the residence and observed the two-month-old child in a car seat on the floor of the front room. He put out the fire that surrounded the child and threw his hood of his jacket over the child.

Evans handed the child to Nicholas T. Pratt, 23, who was standing outside the front door of the burning home. Evans then saw the other two children run to the back part of the house. He was able to follow them and take them out of the house safely.

When the fire was reported to Charleston DPS the caller stated that all children had been removed from the house. When officers arrived, a check of the house also determined that no one was inside.

Officers were not made aware that Ewing was injured until an ambulance arrived at the scene. At that time an investigation was started as to the whereabouts of Lee during and before the fire.

DPS Capt. Susan Rockett arrested Lee and transported her to the Mississippi County Detention Center. Lee was charged with three counts of endangering the welfare of a child and bond is set at $6,000.

Richard Couch, director of the Charleston Department of Public Safety, commended the heroic efforts of Evans and Pratt. "Evans' quick action saved the lives of these three small children," Couch said. "He placed personal safety at jeopardy to save someone else's life. He is a true hero."

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