SEVIERVILLE, TENNESSEE – A 33-year-old Sevierville man is facing charges including aggravated assault and kidnapping after allegedly pouring gasoline on a woman and setting her face on fire. According to court records, Mark Harden also threatened to kill her and put her in a chokehold when she tried to escape. The woman was treated at the University of Tennessee Medical Center for first- and second-degree burns. SWAT officers later had to remove Harden from a residence.
Woman Says Harden Poured Can of Gasoline on Her
The woman told officers that Harden poured a can of gasoline on her, according to court records. He then allegedly pushed her onto a couch and grabbed a lighter. The attack happened inside a home, according to the records.
Records say he set her face on fire. She managed to put out the flames herself using water from the kitchen. The flames left her with painful injuries. Her quick action may have prevented far more serious injuries.
Suspect Allegedly Threatened to Kill Woman and Dragged Her Back Inside
According to the records, Harden threatened to kill the woman during the attack. When she tried to run, he allegedly put her in a chokehold and dragged her back into the house. The struggle left her fearing for her life.
She eventually managed to escape and get help. Her relationship to Harden was not detailed in the post. Her name has not been released. Investigators have not said what led to the attack.
Victim Treated for First- and Second-Degree Burns at UT Medical Center
The woman was taken to the University of Tennessee Medical Center in Knoxville for treatment. She suffered first- and second-degree burns in the attack. Doctors worked to treat the burns to her face. Her current condition was not shared.
Burns to the face can cause lasting pain and scarring and often require specialized care. UT Medical Center is a Level I trauma center serving East Tennessee. Recovery from facial burns can take weeks or months.
SWAT Called to Remove Harden as He Faces Serious Charges
Court records say SWAT officers had to be called to drag Harden out before he was taken into custody. He now faces charges including aggravated assault and kidnapping. Bond information and his next court date were not included in the post. Additional charges could be filed as the investigation continues.
Harden is presumed innocent unless proven guilty in court. Anyone experiencing domestic violence can call the National Domestic Violence Hotline at 1-800-799-7233 for confidential help. Sevierville sits in Sevier County near the Great Smoky Mountains.
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