2 women charged in Glouco arson, kidnapping attempt

Two women have been charged with setting fire to a Gloucester County home and trying to kidnap a 3-year-old girl from the residence.

The Gloucester County Prosecutor's Office alleges that 32-year-old Lynette McGuire and her cousin, 33-year-old Denise Coyle, started the fire at the home on Lafayette Court in Washington Township at about 8:30 p.m. Thursday.

The pair was trying to kidnap McGuire's 3-year-old daughter from the residence, where she was living with her grandparents, according to prosecutors. Three of the young girl's siblings were also in the custody of their grandparents there.

McGuire and Coyle, both of Bensalem, were apprehended about a mile away, near Route 42 and Fries Mill Road, shortly after fleeing, prosecutors said.

They are facing charges that include aggravated arson, attempted kidnapping and burglary. Each is being held on $100,000 bail, prosecutors said.

The grandparents and all of the children escaped from the house unharmed, though the house was heavily damaged. The American Red Cross' Gloucester County chapter is helping the family find housing.

The blaze is believed to have started in the home's garage.