Westfield Man Arrested After Alleged Assault on Aunt with Gas

WESTFIELD, N.Y. (AP) — Authorities say a 33-year-old western New York man allegedly poured gasoline on his aunt and set her on fire before police used a stun gun to subdue him after he barricaded himself inside a home.

Officials tell local media that the incident began shortly before 6 p.m. Monday when police and fire crews responded to a report of two vehicles on fire at a home in the Chautauqua County village of Westfield, 55 miles southwest of Buffalo.

Police say Thomas Pereira had torched the vehicles and set his aunt on fire after dousing her with gasoline. Officials say she was treated for minor injuries.

Police say Pereira barricaded himself in the basement before officers used a stun gun on him.

He is being held without bail in the county jail. It's was unclear if he has a lawyer.

(Story by: The Associated Press with minor editing by WIBX)