Manhattan Man, 52, Sprayed Lighter Fluid At Woman, Her Child: PD

MANHATTAN, IL — A 52-year-old Manhattan man was charged with battery after police say he threw lighter fluid and hot coffee at a woman and her child, after nearly hitting them with his car July 17.

Police said Kazimierz Nizynski was driving near Fairview Drive and Marion Street, when he nearly struck the mother and child with his van while they were riding bicycles. He then allegedly threw hot coffee at them while yelling profanities, according to police reports.

He is then alleged to have sprayed the woman with lighter fluid as she shielded her child, police said. Nizynski did not know the woman or her child, police said.