Smithfield man accused of burning young boys with drain cleaner appears in court

LOGAN — The 33-year-old Smithfield man, accused of burning two young boys with a chemical last summer, was in court again, as prosecutors filed more charges against him.

Jason Summers appeared in 1st District Court Tuesday morning. He was previously charged with two counts of child abuse, a second-degree felony, obstructing justice and escaping from custody, a third-degree felony, and three other misdemeanors. State attorneys have also filed two new charges of felony burglary and misdemeanor theft against him.

In June, Summers allegedly approached two-boys and threw a chemical-like substance on them. Both children were initially treated at Logan Regional Hospital. The five-year-old had minor burns on his back. The three-year-old sustained more severe burns to his face, eyes and chest. He was later taken to the University of Utah Burn Center for treatment.

Summers tried to flee several times from officers before being arrested. He is being held in the Cache County Jail without bail.

Police recovered some of the substance that Summers is suspected of throwing on the boys. It showed some similar consistency to drain cleaner.

During Tuesday’s hearing, public defender Shannon Demler said Summers is currently undergoing a mental evaluation, determining whether he is competent to stand trial. He explained that the assessment is taking longer than expected, and asked the court for more time.

Judge Brian Cannell continued the hearing until October 23.

In 2016, Summers was convicted of discharging a firearm and possession of drugs, after he broke into an LDS Church and then tried to shoot at a neighbor. He was ordered to serve 90-days in jail and then placed on probation for one-year.


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