Authorities have accused a North Liberty man of attempting to burn his trailer down.

Fernando Maldonado, 38, was charged Dec. 15 with first-degree arson.

According to online court documents, Maldonado’s significant other reported to the police that he was going to kill himself, his two children, and his significant other by burning their trailer down.

Maldonado had poured gasoline on himself, admitted to drinking some gasoline, and was flicking a lighter in an attempt to light himself on fire.

Eventually, Maldonado came outside and spoke with the officers without burning the trailer down.

Maldonado has been in an intimate relationship with his partner for more than 20 years. He also has two children under the age of 16, both of whom witnessed the event.

First-degree arson is a Class-B felony.

— by Alyssa Guzman