Josiah James McIntosh, a 27-year-old Pennsylvanian man is arrested after trying to burn the “demon” out of a 4-year-old boy.
The incident took place around 1 p.m. on Wednesday in Southmont Borough outside Johnstown, the West Hills Regional Police Department reported on May 17th. It was not revealed if the child was related to McIntosh, even though there are claims that they are father and son, reports FOX.
The police responded to a “domestic disturbance” call and found the child and McIntosh smelling of gasoline. The grownup had a disposable lighter on him. According to a preliminary investigation, an unnamed man had arrived at the home and was met with McIntosh telling him, “If we can’t get out the demon, I’ll burn it out of [the boy].” When the man tried to stop McIntosh, he punched him, hit him in the head with a brick, and fled. He was later captured in the neighborhood after a brief search.
Officer Christopher Kesslak alleged in a criminal complaint that McIntosh “splashed gasoline on the little boy and made a reference to setting him on fire,” says FOX.
McIntosh was arrested and is now facing aggravated assault of a person under the age of 6, reckless endangerment, and child endangerment. His bail is set at $75,000. A preliminary hearing is scheduled for May 27.
