Two women who were doused with gasoline by a jealous boyfriend were saved when the man's lighter failed to spark a flame as he tried to set them on fire, according to police.
Investigators said William Sheridan, 43, got into an argument with his ex-girlfriend's roommate behind a mobile home located at 69 Seminole Trail late Sept 24.
Sheridan then allegedly forced himself inside the mobile home where his ex-girlfriend was staying, picked up a gas can and began to cover the mobile home with the gasoline.
He also splashed the women and a pet cocker spaniel, the report said.
"This gentleman picked up a gas can and splashed some of the liquid on to the roommate and also her dog," state fire marshal Detective Juan Bailey said.
Police said the women tried to call 911 but Sheridan grabbed the device and smashed it.
Investigators said Sheridan then grabbed his lighter and tried to spark a fire but it would not work. Sheridan tried several times, according to the report.
"He is battering her, pushing and shoving her and trying to flick the lighter on," Bailey said. "They are in a hand-to-hand struggle for their life basically."
"The reasons why these two women and the dog are alive and unhurt are because they fought back and their attacker's lighter did not work," Local 6's Deborah Garcia said.
The women were able to break free and Sheridan fled the area.
Officers captured Sheridan a short time later. He was charged with attempted murder, arson to an occupied residence, domestic violence, aggravated assault and battery, felony animal cruelty and hindering the victim's attempt to call 911. Neighborhood MapFor more information about the Interactive Animal Cruelty Maps, see the map notes.
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