A woman in Florida allegedly set a stranger on fire at a gas station. She is being charged with attempted murder and arson.
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The Suspect's Motive for Setting the Stranger on Fire Isn't Clear
As reported by PEOPLE, Eleanor Crawford allegedly walked up to another woman at a Mobil gas station in St. Petersburg, Florida, on Thursday, Sep. 10. She asked the victim if she could use her phone. The victim allowed it.
Crawford then asked the victim for money. The victim said no. That is when Crawford allegedly approached the victim and "deliberately ignited gasoline with a lighter."
According to a news release from the St. Petersburg Police Department (SPPD), the victim's vehicle was swallowed up in flames. The 41-year-old was "seriously injured." She was transported to Tampa General Hospital for treatment of the second-degree burns she suffered.
Police said Crawford, who is also 41, was arrested nearby. She did not know the victim, and her motive is not known. Crawford is facing felony charges.
Police Call the Burns "Horrific"
At a press conference, Assistant Police Chief Mike Kovacsev called the victim's burns "horrific."
"It's kind of a unique case, because you don't see anything like this — especially something that results in such horrific burns," he said. "But [police] went out there, they worked with the fire department, and luckily they were able to get [the victim] stabilized, and she's going to make it."
A witness parked nearby said the scene resembled a "fireball." He then helped the victim to his truck and called 911.
Crawford is being held on a $350,000 bond, according to arrest records. She is awaiting trial. It is unknown whether she has retained an attorney at this time.
This incident follows an earlier altercation this year. In June, an Army veteran died after being shot in front of a Walmart in North Lauderdale, Florida. Footage showed a heated argument over a parking space outside the store.
