ST. PETERSBURG, Fla. (WWSB/Gray News) – Authorities in Florida say a woman was hospitalized with major burns after a stranger set her on fire while she was pumping gas into her SUV.
The incident happened about 8 p.m. Thursday at a Mobil gas station in St. Petersburg.
St. Petersburg Police say 41-year-old Eleanor Crawford walked up to the victim, also 41, as she pumped gas into her SUV and used a lighter to ignite the gasoline.
Police said Eleanor Crawford, 41, approached the victim as she pumped gas into her Volvo SUV and used a lighter to ignite the gasoline.(St.Petersburg Police)
The victim was seriously injured, suffering second-degree burns, and was taken to the hospital. Her SUV and the gas pump were also engulfed in flames, police say.
Officers arrested Crawford a couple of blocks from the scene. She is facing charges of attempted murder and arson, according to online court records.
Police say Crawford didn’t know the victim, and a motive has not yet been determined.
Crawford is being held on $350,000 bond.
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