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Man accused of trying to light girlfriend, house on fire in Butler County

BUTLER, Pa. — Police arrested a Butler County man Wednesday night accused of trying to light his girlfriend and her house on fire.

Authorities said Deryl Alexander is facing several charges including aggravated assault and terroristic threats.

According to the criminal complaint, Alexander tied his girlfriend on a chair and poured lighter fluid on her and throughout the house.

Investigators said Alexander then lit a piece of paper on fire and threw it on the floor with intentions of starting a blaze.

Police said the paper landed in an area without lighter fluid and no fire started.

The woman was able to flee the home and alert authorities, police said.

Authorities said when officers showed up at the house Alexander was standing on the porch, told them where the lighter fluid was and said that he did it.

“This is insane,” neighbor David Wise said. “I feel really sorry for this girl. She didn’t deserve any of this. It’s a shame.”