Hamilton man accused of trying to set fire to gas pumps

Witnesses said the man dumped gasoline in the parking lot next to pump three and lit the liquid, according to the police report.

Bystanders were able to detain the man, identified as Edwin Louis Michaels, until officers arrived, Burkhardt said.

Michaels, 38, of Hamilton, was charged with aggravated arson and possessing criminal tools. He was arraigned Tuesday in Hamilton Municipal Court, where his bond was set at $200,000.

Burkhardt said a police cruiser was damaged when it was accidentally hit by a person trying to leave the parking lot as emergency crews arrived. There were no injuries.