Detroit man faces charges for allegedly spraying flammable liquid on two women, setting them on fire after work dispute

DETROIT (WWJ) — A Detroit man who was arrested earlier this week for allegedly setting two women on fire has been charged with multiple felonies.

Roberto Romero, 66, was arraigned Wednesday afternoon on two counts of attempted murder and other charges, the Wayne County Prosecutor’s Office announced.

The charges stem from an apparent work dispute earlier this week. Detroit Police Chief James White on Monday said it appeared the suspect had recently been fired or suspended from his job and encountered the women, who he felt were “part of the reason” for his discipline.

Around 6 a.m. Monday, prosecutors say Romero allegedly went to a building in the 1000 block of West Grand Boulevard — near Hubbard Street and Michigan Avenue — and “sprayed a flammable liquid on the victims, before setting them on fire and fleeing the scene.”

The women, ages 50 and 57, both from Detroit, were rushed to the hospital. White said Monday afternoon they were listed in serious condition. Prosecutors did not provide an update on their condition Wednesday.

As Romero fled the scene, White said Monday, a man who was either a witness or another coworker chased him down and held him until police arrived and took him into custody.

Romero has been charged with one count of placing offensive substance causing physical injury and two counts each of assault with intent to murder, assault with intent to do great bodily harm and felonious assault.

Michigan Department of Corrections records show the defendant has a lengthy criminal history, with convictions for assault with intent to do great bodily harm, felonious assault, domestic violence, arson and other charges, dating back to 1998. Records show he was on probation at this time of his latest alleged offense.

Romero was remanded to jail without bond following his arraignment in 36th District Court. He will be back in court for a Probable Cause Conference scheduled on September 19.

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