The man caught fire from a taser used by the police

In New York State, police used a stun gun to subdue a man, and he caught fire, local authorities said on Friday. The victim was in serious condition in hospital.

Local media reported that over the weekend, a 29-year-old man walked into the Catskill Village police Department and got into a confrontation with police officers.

Police Chief Dave Darling confirmed that officers used a taser to subdue a man who had just sprayed himself with hand sanitizer, and then the man caught fire.

Darling said the officers were familiar with the man from previous meetings.

"I think they were afraid he would hurt himself, and that's where it all started," Darling said. "There are still details that we are trying to clarify."

The man was taken to the trauma and burn Center at Westchester Medical Center, where he was in serious condition, the Times Union reports.

Kevin A. Luibrand, a lawyer for the man's family, declined to discuss details, but said he had asked the police to preserve all records and written materials related to this event. Darling said his staff are not equipped with CCTV cameras, but there are video cameras at the police station.