HOUSTON Harris County investigators say a 41-year-old man attacked the mother of his child with a machete and doused her with gasoline, all while their 6-month-old baby sat nearby.
Ronald Washington, 41, is charged with aggravated assault of a family member with a deadly weapon in connection with the attack, which happened in the 7100 block of Mt. Houston Road on April 12, the Harris County Sheriff s Office said.
According to investigators, the victim went there to meet Washington after he said he wanted to see their baby.
When she arrived, the victim said Washington approached her vehicle, where she was sitting with the baby in her lap, and started arguing with her.
The victim said she tried to leave, but Washington reached into the car, took the keys and walked away.
He returned moments later with a machete.
The victim said Washington began attacking her with the machete, all while the baby was in her lap.
In a bid to protect the child, the victim put the baby on the passenger s side floorboard.
At some point, the victim was able to escape through the passenger side door, but she said Washington caught up with her and kept attacking her with the knife.
He also doused her with gasoline, investigators said.
Despite her injuries, the woman was able to flag down a passing motorist.
But investigators said Washington got into the victim s car, with the baby still inside, and tried to run her over.
The passing motorist helped the victim flee to a nearby gas station, where she called 911.
Investigators said Washington returned to his own vehicle and left the baby, who was not injured, in victim s car.
The victim was taken to the hospital, where she was recovering from her injuries Friday.
Washington was arrested on April 13 when he tried to file a report at an HCSO storefront, claiming he d been attacked by the mother of his child.
He was being held in the Harris County Jail.
