A 53-year-old New York man faces felony charges after allegedly dousing a woman and two children with gasoline and attempting to ignite them during a dispute in Dryden.
Matthew J. Demming stands accused of second-degree attempted murder, criminal contempt, and aggravated family offense, along with two counts of endangering the welfare of a child. Authorities say the incident took place shortly after 10 a.m. Saturday at a home on Schwan Drive. Demming allegedly violated an order of protection by appearing at the residence. He argued with the victim before grabbing a gasoline can and pouring fuel over the woman, the two children, and the house, according to the Tompkins County Sheriff's Office. A witness intervened and stopped Demming before he could use a lighter. Deputies arrested him nearby and booked him into the Tompkins County Jail on $200,000 bond. Firefighters decontaminated the victims, who suffered no physical injuries. Deputies have not disclosed the relationship between Demming and the victims or the nature of their dispute. His next court date has not been set.