Altoona man threatened to burn down relative’s house during domestic dispute

ALTOONA, Pa. (WJAC) — Blair County authorities say an Altoona man is behind bars following a domestic dispute last week in which he allegedly threatened to set fire to a relative’s home.

Altoona police said Ryan Dionis, 44, was arrested last Thursday following a domestic dispute at a home along East Grant Avenue in the city of Altoona.

According to the affidavit, police say Dionis arrived at the residence “extremely intoxicated” and began arguing with the homeowner about gaining entry.

Authorities say after several attempts to break into the home, Dionis allegedly grabbed a can of gasoline and began pouring it outside the home and into a broken window.

According to the homeowner, police say Dionis then grabbed a lighter and threatened to light the gasoline.

Police say when officers arrived on scene, they noticed a strong odor of gasoline on the porch and Dionis was found hiding in a nearby bush.

Investigators noted that Dionis repeatedly refused police commands before being taken into custody.

According to online court records, Dionis faces several charges, including attempted arson, aggravated assault, reckless endangerment, making terroristic threats and resisting arrest.

He is jailed in the Blair County Jail on $200,000 bail.