Police: Man tries to burn down house during domestic dispute

TAYLOR TOWNSHIP, Pa. — A New Castle man is facing several charges after police said he tried to burn his house down during a domestic dispute early Friday morning.

A woman called 911 about 12:30 a.m. Friday and said a man was throwing gasoline all over their Warner Alley home in Taylor Township in an attempt to burn it down.

When officers arrived at the house, they noticed a structure fire and visible flames.

Once inside, officers said a man, later identified as Jason Merlini, told them, “Leave me alone. I want to die,” police said.

The officers then physically removed Merlini from the house and arrested him.

Police said Merlini and his wife had been at a bar drinking, came home and began fighting, which led to Merlini trying to burn the house down.

Merlini is in Mercy Hospital being treated for smoke inhalation and a broken nose, but is facing charges including arson and aggravated assault.

The woman involved safely escaped the fire, and police said the couple’s young son was not home at the time of the incident.

WPXI