Police said Brooke Trimble, 17, was washing dishes when three men broke into the house on American Drive. They allegedly tied her up with a chain and used tape to cover her mouth.
At some point, police said a fire was started in three different parts of the house and quickly spread.
Police said Trimble was able to free herself and run outside before flames engulfed the home. Neighbors flagged down a sheriff's deputy who just happened to be serving civil papers at another home nearby.
Durham Sheriff Deputy J.C. Christian said Trimble had cuts and scratches all over her legs.
"She was hysterical. She had a chain all wrapped around her upper body and chain wrapped around her neck. She said she'd just pulled masking tape off her face," Christian said.
Police have not released any information on possible suspects. Police say they do not believe this was a random attack, but they will not elaborate beyond that.
Police are scheduled to talk with Trimble and her family on Thursday.
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