Cops: Drunk Man Threatens to Set Fire to Self and Family

(MERIDEN, Conn.) -- A Meriden man was arrested over the weekend, after he poured gasoline all over himself and threatened to set fire to himself, his family and their home, police said.

Officers were called to a home on Pasco Street in Meriden on Saturday night where they said they encountered an intoxicated Robert Methvin, 49, at the residence. Police said there was a strong odor of gasoline at the apartment and Methvin was found carrying a cigarette lighter and a hammer, while failing to cooperate with officers.

Police were able to safely remove the man's family from the home and eventually Methvin was arrested on charges of first-degree criminal attempt to commit arson, first-degree criminal attempt to commit assault, first-degree threatening, first-degree reckless endangerment, and third-degree assault.

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