Kalamazoo man charged after setting girlfriend on fire

KALAMZOO (WTVB) – A terrible case of domestic violence in Kalamazoo heading into Valentine’s weekend. A man accused of setting his girlfriend on fire after she announced she wanted to end their relationship, is in jail right now and it’s the first of many days in a cell, if he is convicted. Police responded early Friday after they got calls about a woman shrieking. Court documents say the pair had been arguing for most of the night and that he had threatened her with a knife nearly strangled her and finally set her on fire using rubbing alcohol. She was taken to the Bronson Burn Unit with first and second degree flash burns on her upper torso and face.  He fled on foot but was picked up a short time later as he walked along a street and was arrested. 52-year-old Ray Charles Jackson is charged with assault with intent to do great bodily harm and three other counts. Judge Richard Santoni noted his lengthy criminal record and set bond at half a million dollars. His victim was treated and released.