Sex crime suspect attempts suicide by fire

A Granville man is in jail after attempting to set himself on fire prior to being arrested, accused of sexual contact with a child.

New York State Police said Monday 43-year-old Michael Currier, of state Route 22 was being sought in a child sex case and became aware of the investigation possibly precipitating the incident.

Currier was later charged with the class A felony predatory sexual assault on a child, accused of having ongoing sexual contact with a child under the age of 13 for more than two years, police said. Police also said the child was related to Currier.

The man contacted police Sunday following finding out about the investigation, requesting a meeting at the North Granville barracks. At that time police said Currier made threats to harm himself. 

When police met Currier at the barracks, he locked the doors to his vehicle and poured some sort of fuel all over his body while attempting to light a match.

Troopers at the barracks at the time including Inv. Frank Borbola, Sgt. Daniel Symer and Trooper Brian Crowe smashed the window to the vehicle and discharged a fire extinguisher, preventing Currier from sparking the fire.

Currier was arraigned in front of Granville Town Justice Roger Forando and sent to the Washington County Jail.

State Police said the investigation regarding Currier continues and urge anyone with information to call Inv. Barbola at 692-3017.