Drunk man pours gas on self, threatens ignition

MERIDEN, Conn. (WTNH) -- An intoxicated Meriden man was arrested Saturday after he doused himself with gasoline and threatened to set his house and family on fire.

The incident occurred around 8 p.m., at 3 Pasco St.

Upon arrival, officers surrounded the two-family home and began to negotiate with the male, Robert Methvin, 49, who was on the second floor.

Methvin, who was armed with a cigarette lighter and a hammer, was uncooperative with police.

Police were able to get Methvin's family to safety, but he refused to exit the apartment.

After additional negotiation, Methvin surrendered to police.

After investigating, police smelled a strong odor of gasoline in the apartment, as well as a gas can cap in the kitchen and a gasoline container outside the apartment.

Methvin was charged with 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.

He is being held on $750,000 bond.

He is scheduled to appear in court on June 4th.