A man accused of dousing a female acquaintance with gasoline and trying to set her on fire with a lighter near the San Diego Youth Aquatic Center in Mission Bay must stand trial on charges of premeditated attempted murder and assault with a deadly weapon, a judge ruled Wednesday.
Myles Edward Chapin, 45, faces life in prison if convicted.
Chapin was allegedly threatening to commit suicide by dousing himself with gas about 4:11 p.m. on July 9 when he grabbed the victim by the wrist and instead doused her, according to police.
The victim escaped Chapin’s grip and called 911. Officers arrested Chapin about an hour later during a search of the area.
No one was seriously injured in the incident, which happened in the 1000 block of Fiesta Island Road, police said.
After a brief preliminary hearing, Judge Peter Gallagher ruled that enough evidence was presented for Chapin to stand trial.
A Superior Court arraignment was set for Sept. 26.
— City News Service
