The father of a 4-year-old boy allegedly wanted to ignite the child using gasoline and a lighter in a reported attempt to rid the youngster of a demon.
Johnsonville, Pennsylvania resident Josiah James C. McIntosh has a 4-year-old son.
Last Wednesday, McIntosh was reportedly at his home with the boy with another man.
According to the police, it was believed that McIntosh was under the impression that his child was possessed by an evil being as he was reported as stating, “If we can’t get out the demon, I’ll burn it out of him.”
The man who was at the house with McIntosh and the child reportedly tried to make McIntosh leave after the father allegedly doused his son in gasoline after making the remark.
As reported by the man, McIntosh did not take kindly to the attempted intervention and he responded by assaulting him with his fists, in addition to grabbing a brick and heaving it at him causing it to strike his head.
Just after 1:00 pm, the West Hills Regional Police Department sent officers to the home for a reported domestic disturbance, and when they arrived they reported that the child was inside of the home without any clothing on. They also said the boy was drenched in gasoline.
McIntosh has already left the residence, and when the authorities located him they reported that he reeked of petrol, and they found a lighter on him.
The 27-year-old is expected to face several charges for the accusations including aggravated assault, aggravated assault of a person less than 6, simple assault, simple assault of a person under 12, arson, endangering the welfare of children, terroristic threats, and recklessly endangering another person.
McIntosh was incarcerated in the Cambria County Prison in lieu of a $75,000 bail amount.
If you or someone you love is suspected of a crime, contact Orange County criminal defense lawyer Staycie R. Sena at (949) 477-8088 for a consultation now.