Man showed up at woman’s doorstep and tried to brutally set her and kids on fire after dousing them with gasoline: Cops

A shocking attempted murder case in upstate New York has led to the arrest of a 53-year-old man accused of trying to set a woman and two children on fire after allegedly covering them and their home with gasoline.

According to the Tompkins County Sheriff’s Office, the suspect, Matthew J. Demming, faces multiple felony charges stemming from the incident, which authorities describe as an attempted act of extreme violence.

What Happened on Schwan Drive

The incident occurred shortly after 10 a.m. on Saturday at a residence on Schwan Drive in the town of Dryden, located just outside Ithaca.

Investigators say the female victim contacted law enforcement after Demming allegedly arrived at her home despite an active order of protection that prohibited such contact. Authorities said his presence at the residence constituted a violation of that court order.

Argument Escalated Rapidly

According to deputies, an argument began between Demming and the woman while two children were present at the home.

What started as a verbal confrontation allegedly escalated into a life-threatening situation when Demming grabbed a gasoline can that was reportedly located beside the residence. Authorities allege he then began pouring gasoline on the woman, the two children, and portions of the home itself.

Alleged Attempt to Ignite the Victims

Investigators say that after dousing the victims and the residence with gasoline, Demming allegedly produced a lighter and prepared to ignite the fuel.

Authorities believe the situation could have turned fatal within seconds.

Witness Intervention Prevented Tragedy

According to the sheriff’s office, a witness at the scene intervened before the lighter could be used.

Law enforcement officials stated that the witness physically removed Demming from the situation, preventing what authorities believe could have been a deadly fire involving the woman, the children, and the residence.

The sheriff’s office credited the intervention with stopping the alleged attack before anyone suffered burn injuries.

Arrest Made Shortly After Incident

Following the confrontation, deputies searched the area and located Demming a short time later.

Authorities arrested him and transported him to the Tompkins County Jail for processing.

Bond Set at $200,000

Court records cited by authorities indicate that Demming is being held on a $200,000 bond while the criminal case proceeds.

As of the latest available information, officials have not publicly listed his next court appearance.

Victims Escaped Physical Injury

Emergency responders, including firefighters, were dispatched to the residence after the incident.

Because gasoline had allegedly been poured on the victims, firefighters assisted in decontaminating the woman and the two children. Authorities reported that none of the victims suffered physical injuries during the encounter.

Children’s Ages Not Released

Law enforcement officials have not disclosed the ages of the two children involved.

Investigators also have not publicly identified the victims, citing privacy concerns.

Charges Filed Against the Suspect

Demming has been charged with several offenses, including serious felonies.

Second-Degree Attempted Murder

The most severe charge is second-degree attempted murder, reflecting investigators’ belief that the suspect intended to cause death by igniting the gasoline.

Criminal Contempt

Authorities also charged him with criminal contempt, a charge connected to the alleged violation of the order of protection that was in place at the time of the incident.

Aggravated Family Offense

Another felony charge filed against Demming is aggravated family offense, a charge often associated with repeat domestic-related criminal conduct under New York law.

Child Endangerment Counts

In addition, prosecutors filed two misdemeanor counts of endangering the welfare of a child because two children were allegedly placed in danger during the confrontation.

Unanswered Questions Remain

While authorities have outlined the allegations against Demming, several aspects of the case remain unclear.

Relationship Between Suspect and Victims Not Disclosed

Investigators have not revealed the exact relationship between Demming and the woman involved in the case.

However, the existence of an order of protection and the filing of an aggravated family offense charge suggest there may have been a prior legal or domestic history between the parties. Authorities have not provided further details.

Nature of the Dispute Unknown

Law enforcement officials have also declined to discuss what led to the argument or provide information about the underlying dispute between the suspect and the woman.

Community Shocked by Allegations

The allegations have drawn attention because of the extreme danger posed by gasoline-fueled attacks. Investigators believe the quick actions of a witness and the rapid response from law enforcement prevented what could have become a fatal incident involving multiple victims, including children.

As the criminal proceedings move forward, Demming remains accused—not convicted—of the offenses, and the allegations against him will be tested in court.