Police: Schenectady man who tried to torch apartment also choked child

PHOTOGRAPHER: Steven Cook

The allegations against a city man charged last week with arson and attempted murder include choking a 22-month-old child.

Both the child and her mother escaped the Feb. 6 incident with the help of police, authorities said. Both were treated and released from a local hospital.

Rogers Jackson, 41, who lived at 21 Yale St., appeared in court Wednesday for a preliminary hearing, but the hearing was put off.

Jackson faces one count of second-degree arson and two counts of second-degree attempted murder. Each count carries a sentence of up to 25 years.

Jackson was arrested and the woman and child freed after he barricaded himself inside the burning Yale Street apartment, police said. The woman was referred to in paperwork as Jackson’s girlfriend.

He is accused of trying to kill both by setting fire to the residence and barricading the doors while punching his girlfriend and holding her down. He is also accused of choking the 22-month-old child and holding her down after setting the fire.

Responding police had to force their way inside to rescue both, according to court papers.

Jackson also faces two counts of first-degree reckless endangerment related to the occupants of the other apartment in the building. A 75-year-old man and a 70-year-old woman both were home at the time but escaped unharmed.

Seven police officers who responded to the incident were taken to the hospital for minor injuries or smoke inhalation. No charges have been filed related to those injuries, but a prosecutor said the investigation is continuing and further charges could be filed.

Police arrived after receiving a report of a domestic dispute at the residence. They learned en route that the apartment was on fire and arrived to hear a woman screaming for help. They also learned the child was inside.

Police then forced their way in and rescued both. Jackson used his body to try to prevent police from entering as the apartment was burning, police said.

Police broke through and had to Taser Jackson to take him into custody. Jackson remains jailed.