March 28, 2024

Man threatened to harm himself, family

NORTH LIBERTY — A man in eastern Iowa has been accused of pouring gasoline on himself, flicking a lighter and threatening to harm his family.

North Liberty police say 38-year-old Fernando Maldonado was charged Tuesday with first-degree arson, domestic abuse assault with the display or use of a weapon and two counts of child endangerment. Court records do not list an attorney.

Police say Maldonado also identifies himself as Javier Martinez.

Police responding to a home on Monday say Maldonado had poured gasoline on himself. He threatened to light himself on fire, began flicking a lighter and threatened to harm his family.

Maldonado was sent to the hospital for ingesting gasoline and was released Tuesday. No other injuries were reported.