11-Year-Old and Father Rebuilding After Apartment Fire in Clear Lake

CLEAR LAKE, Texas (KTRK) — An 11-year-old and his father are rebuilding after their apartment caught fire in the Clear Lake area one day after Thanksgiving.

At least four families were impacted by the fire, including 11-year-old Khy’air McWherter and his father, who firefighters said happened to free himself when he saw smoke.

“I woke up, and I smelled something. It smelled like a candle,” Khy’air said. “So I opened the door and saw a massive fire,” he explained.

Arson Suspect Arrested

The fire happened around 6:30 a.m. Friday on Pineloch near Galveston Road. It was later revealed that the suspect, Rueben Colbert, started the fire by igniting a flammable liquid. He was arrested and charged with arson, police say.

Community Support

Galveston County Deputy Megan Dolanto, a school resource officer at Khy’air’s school, donated her Christmas tree to the family and organized efforts to help them. Galveston County Sgt. Tommy Ingrasin, with the help of other deputies, brought together clothes, toys, and a mattress for Khy’air. The mattress was donated by a local furniture store.

“They’re all my school babies, and I have a 13-year-old myself,” Dolanto said.

Rebuilding After Tragedy

Khy’air and his father, along with several others, were displaced by the fire. The community’s support has been crucial in helping them rebuild their lives after this tragic event.

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