A Falls man accused of setting a woman on fire outside his food truck has been released on bail, according to the Niagara County District Attorney's Office. Barinder Singh, 38, who pleaded not guilty to a single count of first-degree assault, has posted bail using the proceeds from the sale of his food truck. The food truck, which had been parked in a gas station parking lot on Niagara Street, disappeared shortly after Singh's arraignment in Niagara County Court on August 9th.
Singh had initially been released on his own recognizance after being charged with a B felony level assault in Niagara Falls City Court. However, after his indictment in Niagara County Court there was a reconsideration of his bail status. Following Singh's plea of not guilty in the grand jury indictment, Niagara County Court Judge John Ottaviano ordered him to be held on $100,000 cash, $200,000 bond, or $1 million partially secured. Due to the heinous nature of the crime, Niagara County prosecutors argued that Singh posed a danger to the community.
Singh being released on bail has raised concerns among law enforcement and the public, let alone his victim who remains hospitalized at ECMC. The victim, a 48-year-old woman, continues to receive treatment for severe burns to her head, arms, and body.
The incident occurred in the early hours of Sunday, August 4th when Falls police responded to a call at the location of Singh's food truck in the parking lot of a gas station on Niagara Street. Officers discovered a female victim who suffered extensive burns. It has been confirmed that she sustained third degree burns across her body. The victim's identity has not been released by the police.
Charging information revealed that the woman was allegedly confronted by Singh who accused her of stealing from his food truck. He became irate, resulting in Singh dousing her with a flammable liquid and setting her on fire.
Niagara County District Attorney Brian Seaman expressed his concern over the release of Singh on bail given the violent nature of the crime and the severe injuries inflicted upon the victim.
Niagara Falls Man Released on Bail After Setting Woman on Fire, Sells Food Truck that he Used in Crime