Three-year-old Bennett Dornellas, who was kidnapped by his father and severely burned in a horrifying incident this past May, is finally out of the hospital. This week, Georgia state troopers, who played a critical role in his rescue, visited him at the JMS Burn Center in Augusta to deliver a care package and celebrate his return home.
Bennett had been in treatment since being pulled from the burning truck, which police say his father had intentionally set on fire during a police chase. His road to recovery is long, but his resilience continues to inspire.
Back in May, police say Bennett was kidnapped from South Carolina by his father, Joshua Dornellas, following a domestic dispute. Authorities pursued Joshua, who crashed on I-85 in Georgia. In an act of desperation, Joshua set the vehicle on fire with Bennett still inside. Troopers and deputies at the scene heroically extinguished the flames and rescued the boy, who was rushed to medical care with severe burns over much of his body.
The troopers involved in the rescue have stayed in close contact with Bennett’s family throughout the ordeal. Their reunion at the burn center marked a significant moment in the boy’s journey back to health, though he still faces numerous medical challenges ahead.
Joshua Dornellas was arrested at the scene and now faces multiple charges, including attempted murder.
