Texan Charged with Arson, Grandson Dead in Truck

A South Texas man whose 2-year-old grandson was found dead in a burned-out pickup truck has been accused of starting the fire.

Bexar County jail records show 51-year-old Joel Soto of San Antonio was being held Friday on a charge of arson of a vehicle. Jail records don't list an attorney for Soto, who was arrested Thursday and bond set at $150,000.

The body of Jeremy Soto was recovered from the vehicle after the fire last Saturday.

A San Antonio police report says the grandfather says he raised the hood to check for possible engine trouble when a flash fire knocked him back.

The report says investigators believe the fire could have started inside the vehicle and Soto's injuries were inconsistent with his explanation of the blaze.

Copyright The Associated Press
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