A New York man has been arrested after authorities say he tried to set a woman and two children on fire during a horrifying dispute at a home near Ithaca.
Matthew J. Demming, 53, is facing several serious charges, including second-degree attempted murder, criminal contempt and aggravated family offense, according to the Tompkins County Sheriff’s Office.
He is also charged with two misdemeanor counts of endangering the welfare of a child.
The terrifying incident happened shortly after 10 a.m. Saturday at a home on Schwan Drive in the town of Dryden, New York.
Authorities said the female victim called deputies after Demming allegedly showed up on her front porch, violating an order of protection.
Demming then allegedly began arguing with the woman while two children were present.
According to deputies, the confrontation quickly escalated when Demming grabbed a gasoline can from beside the home and began pouring fuel on the woman, the children and the house.
Authorities said Demming then pulled out a lighter and was allegedly preparing to ignite the gasoline.
A witness stepped in before the situation could turn even more tragic.
According to the sheriff’s office, the witness “intervened and physically removed him” before he could light the fire.
Deputies arrested Demming nearby a short time later.
Firefighters also responded to the home and helped decontaminate the victims after they had been doused in gasoline. Authorities said the woman and children were not physically harmed.
The children’s ages were not released.
Officials have not revealed the relationship between Demming and the victims, or what allegedly led to the dispute.
Demming was taken to the Tompkins County Jail, where he is being held on $200,000 bond.
His next court date has not been listed.
