North Liberty man threatens to light himself on fire, harm others

NORTH LIBERTY - A North Liberty man was arrested Tuesday after threatening to light himself on fire and harm others Monday night.

According to a release from the city, North Liberty police officers were called to 254 Golfview Court at 9:15 p.m. for a disturbance. Police said the person causing the disturbance, 38-year-old Fernando Maldonado, also known 44-year-old Javier T. Martinez, had poured gasoline on himself. Maldonado threatened to light himself on fire, began flicking a lighter and also threatened to harm others in the residence.

Officers were able to take Maldonado into custody before he was able to harm anyone and he was hospitalized Monday night for ingestion of gasoline. He was released from the hospital Tuesday and now faces charges of first-degree arson, a Class B felony; domestic assault while displaying a weapon, an aggravated misdemeanor; and two counts of child endangerment, also aggravated misdemeanors.

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