New Mexico man angry over coronavirus check doused wife with gasoline, tried to ignite her: Police

ALBUQUERQUE, N.M. (WITI) -- A New Mexico man tried to set his wife, who has disabilities, on fire because he was angry he didn't qualify for a coronavirus-related stimulus check, police alleged.

Albuquerque police officers arrested Joe Macias, 63, Wednesday, April 1 after he got into an argument with his disabled wife and allegedly doused her with gasoline, the Albuquerque Journal reported.

His wife told police that Macias had come home around 5 p.m. with a four-pack of beer, “upset because he did not qualify for the stimulus check.”

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Macias threw gas on his wife and their mobile home, police said. The wife told officers Macias pulled out a cigarette and tried to light it several times but was unsuccessful because gasoline got on the lighter.

Macias was charged with attempted murder, kidnapping and aggravated battery against a household member.

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• APD: Man tried to set wife and home on fire - Albuquerque Journal