Ohio child’s 4-H chicken coop targeted in arson attack

EATON, Ohio (WDTN) – A 10-year-old’s 4-H dream was nearly shattered overnight after her chicken coop was lit on fire just weeks before the Preble County Fair.

The Watson family had just gotten done building a run for their chickens a few days ago, only to have it set on fire.

“I was terrified yesterday,” said 10-year-old Carlee Watson. “It was so scary out here because somebody had come out here. They were on the property.”

All of this took place around 3 a.m. on Sunday, July 19. The suspect is still unknown.

At first, Carlee and her mother, Lindsay Watson, didn’t know what had caused the damage.

“My husband got home from work and noticed that the tarp was missing, or the roof was missing, off of the chicken run,” said Lindsay. “I said I’ll bring up the camera and see if it caught anything.”

Sure enough, the camera caught an individual take off running down the driveway and to the right.

Lindsay said that they called the police immediately and, according to the police chief, the investigation is still ongoing.

While the police search for the culprit, Carlee is left trying to feel safe again around the chickens she’s spent months raising.

“Carlee had become so brave,” said Lindsay. “She was coming out here in the mornings by herself, taking care of the chickens by herself.”

Lindsay believes the person responsible may have been upset about a crowing rooster they had, which has since been rehomed with some family friends.

“It’s just an uneasy feeling to know that somebody would go to that length that they would do that to a little girl’s 4-H project,” said Lindsay.

While the investigation is underway, a GoFundMe has been set up to support Carlee and her chickens.  

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