Ronald Jay Robinson III, 38, of Hammond, is accused of pouring gasoline throughout a Hammond home and onto his wife before attempting to ignite the gasoline while his wife and four children were inside, according to court documents.

Hammond Police were called to a residence on Drackert Street shortly after 11 a.m. on August 10 for a reported domestic disturbance involving gasoline. When police arrived, an officer immediately detected a strong odor of gasoline coming from the open front door, according to the probable cause affidavit.

Court documents state Robinson’s wife was attempting to get the children out of the home when police arrived. Her shirt was reportedly wet, and police detected a strong odor of gasoline coming from her. Robinson was inside the residence and was allegedly holding a black lighter while speaking with police from the doorway.

According to court documents, Robinson told police he and his wife had been arguing and admitted he had reached his “breaking point.” Robinson allegedly said he retrieved a gasoline can and began pouring gasoline onto the dining room floor.

Robinson allegedly told police his intention was to “light this bitch on fire” and repeatedly stated, “Let’s all go,” according to the affidavit. Police then placed Robinson in handcuffs and secured him in a patrol vehicle.

Investigators said Robinson’s wife reported seeing him come from the basement carrying a gasoline can before allegedly pouring gasoline onto her and the dining room floor. She began gathering the children because she feared what Robinson might do, according to court documents. She also reported Robinson pushed her while one of the children was nearby preparing to leave the home.

One family member told investigators that Robinson allegedly threatened to burn the house down with everyone inside before walking through the living and dining room areas pouring gasoline. The witness reported seeing Robinson pour gasoline directly onto his wife’s head, causing gasoline to enter her eye. She then ran to the kitchen to wash her face while efforts were made to evacuate the younger children, according to the affidavit.

Police said gasoline was also allegedly poured onto a couch, and a puddle of gasoline was left in the dining room. Investigators later observed the gasoline can lying on the dining room floor with its nozzle removed. Despite attempts to clean the residence, investigators reported they could still smell a strong odor of gasoline inside.

During a follow-up interview, Robinson’s wife told investigators she had been half asleep on the couch when Robinson allegedly began pouring gasoline throughout the residence and directly onto her head, face and body. She said she ran to the kitchen to flush her eyes because the gasoline caused a burning sensation.

According to the affidavit, she then allegedly saw Robinson use a lighter to ignite a puddle or line of gasoline on the dining room floor. She told investigators the gasoline caught fire but went out. She then attempted to evacuate the children, but Robinson allegedly physically blocked her access to rooms where some of the children were located. Court documents state all four children were inside the home during the incident.

Robinson was lodged in the Lake County Jail on August 11, 2026.

Charges filed August 11, 2026:

Attempted Murder — Level 1 Felony

Attempted Arson — Level 4 Felony (5 counts)

Domestic Battery Committed in the Presence of a Child Under 16 — Level 6 Felony