Chesterfield man allegedly douses woman with gasoline

CHESTERFIELD, VA (WWBT) - A Chesterfield man is behind bars for, what police call, a jealous fit of rage. Charles Kirkbride is accused of beating and then pouring gasoline all over his estranged girlfriend.

Police say he was enraged after another man brought the woman a cup of orange juice. The criminal complaint suggests Kirkbride got jealous and hit the cup out of his hand.

Police say they found Kirkbride standing on top of the female victim.

"I had to set her straight," Kirkbride told police according to court documents.

Kirkbride allegedly kicked, punched and strangled the victim before pouring gasoline on her.

"I will set you on fire," Kirkbride allegedly told the victim.

Officials at Safe Harbor in Richmond say this type of violence is all too common.

"We have 8 beds in our emergency shelter," said Kathleen Demro with Safe Harbor. "They are always full, but that shouldn't stop anyone from calling. We will get you somewhere safe. We are just one hotline phone call away. 804-287-7877. I encourage you to call. "

Kirkbride is being held with no bond. He is due in court in August.