A Warfield, Ky. man is in jail after allegedly rendering his uncle unconscious Monday evening and setting fire to his house.

Mingo County Sheriff’s Department deputies B.T. Sipple and D.H. Evans allege that 29-year-old John Kirk Jr. maliciously hit his uncle, Dingess resident Ottie Murphy, in the head with a potato causing the victim’s ear to be partially ripped off. Kirk then kicked Murphy in the ribs, police say.

As his uncle lay unconscious on the floor, police allege the Kirk went outside of the house, poured gasoline on the structure and stood by to watch it burn, while the victim still lay inside.

Nick Branham told officers Hinkle’s grandmother ran to his house and stated her home was on fire, according to court documents. Branham says he ran to the house and allegedly saw Kirk standing and watching the house burn around his uncle.

Branham says he asked the defendant where his uncle was and Kirk allegedly informed him that the victim was lying on the floor in the burning house and he had beat him up. The witness then says Kirk fled the scene in his vehicle.

Branham entered the burning home and says he found the victim on the floor curled up and unconscious. He was able to pull the victim to safety.

Police say the grandmother also alleges that Kirk hit her arm causing bruising. She is approximately 80-years-old.

Mingo County Chief Magistrate Eugene Crum set bond at $210,000 cash. Kirk is currently lodged in the Southwestern Regional Jail facing charges of malicious wounding, first-degree arson, attempted murder and domestic battery.