Man threw chemicals at woman who turned down proposal, police say

Derek Lee Rawls is being held on a $750,000 bond in New Haven, Conn., after officials said he allegedly threw liquid drain cleaner at a woman who turned down his marriage proposal.

Rawls had two restraining orders, designed to protect the victim from him, but it turns out he was living right upstairs from her. Police said a woman who used to date Rawls now has burns to her face, neck, chest and arms after the 50-year-old allegedly threw a cup of liquid drain cleaner at her.

Rawls reportedly showed up at her work, asking her to marry him.

According to court documents, the woman opened the door and "Mr. Rawls was standing in front of the door with a red solo cup filled with liquid. Mr. Rawls began to mumble and told her she would regret not speaking to him."

"What makes this case even worse is that, the suspect in this, apparently turned the water service off to the house. I could only imagine it's a pre-meditated move to prevent this woman from being able to wash this from her body," said New Haven Police Officer David Hartman.

Rawls has a criminal history including assault, robbery, and unlawful restraint charges.

Rawls is expected to appear in court next month.