North Carolina Mother Charged After Allegedly Attacking Teens with Corrosive Substance Over Phone Dispute

DUNN, N.C. — Authorities in North Carolina have charged a mother from Dunn with multiple offenses after she allegedly attacked her teenage son and another youth with a substance believed to be corrosive. The incident occurred amid a disagreement over a mobile phone at an apartment complex on October 20.

Kendra McDougald, the woman implicated in the assault, is facing charges that include assault causing serious bodily injury and using a corrosive acid as a weapon. The violent episode took place at the Ponderosa Drive apartments, located roughly 25 miles northeast of Fayetteville.

The conflict reportedly arose over a cellphone, leading to what witnesses described as a severe escalation. Legal documents reveal that a female victim sustained first and second-degree burns on her chest. Larry McDougald, the uncle of one of the teenagers, offered his perspective on the events, highlighting the intense nature of the altercation.

The scene escalated quickly, drawing a crowd of approximately 40 onlookers. Some of these individuals reportedly engaged in disorderly activities, adding to the chaos by throwing objects and participating in physical altercations. Larry McDougald described encountering his nephew in significant distress, with visible burns on his chest. He speculated that the harmful substance used might have been a combination of hot water and bleach.

Larry McDougald expressed his shock at the level of violence, emphasizing the importance of de-escalating conflicts. “This escalated beyond anything I’ve ever witnessed,” he said. He also voiced concerns over the safety of his family, stressing the importance of finding ways to prevent similar incidents in the future.

Following the altercation, both teenagers involved were taken to a hospital. Their injuries were serious but not life-threatening, according to medical reports.

Prior to the incident, Kendra McDougald had been employed as a correctional officer at the Johnston Correctional Institution in Smithfield, beginning her tenure earlier in the year. She resigned from her position in the wake of the attack.

McDougald was arrested on October 24 and held at the Harnett County Jail. She has since been released after posting a bond of $125,000. Her next court appearance is scheduled for December 10.

The incident has ignited discussions about safety and conflict resolution in the community, with local authorities stressing the need for preventive measures to avoid such extreme cases of violence in the future.