Man accused of trying to set fire to girlfriend, child

An arrest warrant states that on July 9, Michael Cornelius Williams, 40, of 409 Donald Ross Drive, threw gasoline into a vehicle occupied by his girlfriend and her 7-year-old child.

Williams was charged Thursday with one count of assault on a child under age 12. He was placed in the Wake County jail under a $5,000 secured bond.

Williams' criminal record dates to 1987 and includes convictions for assault, indecent exposure, common-law robbery and dealing drugs, according to state Department of Correction records.

DOC records state that Williams was convicted as a habitual felon in 2002 but was released two years into a 10- to 12-year sentence when the conviction was vacated. He racked up 17 infractions while in prison. His release was originally scheduled for 2014.