A Tompkins County man is facing attempted murder and other charges after authorities say he poured gasoline on a woman, two children, and a residence before attempting to ignite it.
According to the Tompkins County Sheriff’s Office, deputies responded to a report of a dispute on Schwan Drive in Dryden at approximately 10 a.m. Saturday. While officers were enroute, witnesses reported that a man had poured gasoline on a home and left the area.
Investigators identified the suspect as 53-year-old Matthew Demming.
The Sheriff’s Office said an adult female victim reported that Demming violated a court-issued order of protection when he arrived at the residence. Authorities said a verbal argument occurred on the front porch while the woman and her two children were present.
According to deputies, Demming then grabbed a gasoline can from near the home and poured gasoline on the woman, her children, and the residence. Investigators allege he attempted to ignite the fuel with a lighter, but a witness intervened and physically removed him from the scene before a fire could be started.
Deputies located Demming a short time later and took him into custody. Members of the Varna Volunteer Fire Company responded to help decontaminate the victims.
Demming was charged with second-degree attempted murder, first-degree criminal contempt, aggravated family offense, and two counts of endangering the welfare of a child.
Following arraignment, Demming was sent to the Tompkins County Jail in lieu of bail.
