A North Carolina resident, Patrick Tyson, 56, is facing several serious charges, including first-degree arson, following allegations that he set a woman on fire.
On November 21, Tyson was taken into custody after investigators interviewed the alleged victim. According to the Sylva Police Department, the woman claimed Tyson ignited her clothing after she declined to fetch him a beer. The department shared details of the incident in a statement on their Facebook page.
Police officers responded to a reported domestic dispute and discovered that Tyson allegedly doused isopropyl alcohol on the floor and a couch where the woman was seated. He then set the alcohol on fire, causing flames to spread to the couch and the woman’s clothing.
The Sylva Fire Department was also present at the scene and managed to extinguish the blaze promptly. Authorities have charged Tyson with felony assault with a deadly weapon with intent to kill and felony first-degree arson. Additionally, he faces misdemeanor charges of assault on a female and injury to personal property.
The alleged victim, whose identity has not been disclosed, reportedly had her shirt burned off during the incident. However, according to the police statement, she did not suffer any physical injuries.
During the alleged altercation, the woman—whose name has not yet been shared publicly—supposedly had her shirt burned off her body, but did not sustain any physical injuries, per the press release.
Authorities also detailed a summary of property damage witnessed at the scene, alleging the fire left behind smoke damage, along with charred burns on the carpet and couch.
In addition, police claimed a stove was shattered during the alleged altercation after Tyson threw an object at it.
Tyson was arrested and booked at the Jackson County Jail under a $750,000 secured bond, according to the police department. It’s unclear whether Tyson has since posted bail or been released since he was taken into custody on Friday.
Tyson is set to appear in District Court on Dec. 1.
Oxygen reached out to the Sylva Police Department for additional comment but has not yet heard back.
