Florida Woman, 41, Charged After Allegedly Setting a Stranger on Fire at Gas Station, Causing ‘Horrific Burns’ on Victim

A Florida woman has been charged with attempted murder and arson after allegedly setting a stranger on fire at a gas station.

The incident occurred at a Mobil gas station in St. Petersburg on the evening of Thursday, Sept. 10, according to a news release from the St. Petersburg Police Department (SPPD).

Police identified the suspect as 41-year-old Eleanor Crawford and said she walked up to another woman, also 41, “and deliberately ignited gasoline with a lighter.”

The victim’s vehicle was engulfed in flames and she was “seriously injured,” suffering second-degree burns, per SPPD. The victim was transported to Tampa General Hospital for treatment.

SPPD said that Crawford, who was arrested nearby, and the victim did not know one another and that the motive for the alleged attack remains unclear.

SPPD did not immediately respond to PEOPLE’s request for comment.

Crawford was subsequently charged with attempted murder and arson, both of which are felonies, according to public Pinellas County court records.

It was not immediately clear whether Crawford had retained an attorney at this time.

According to Fox 13 Tampa Bay, police said that Crawford initially approached the victim and asked to borrow her phone, which the victim allowed her to use.

Crawford then asked the victim for money. The victim refused, at which point Crawford allegedly set the gas nozzle on fire with a lighter, according to the outlet.

Assistant Police Chief Mike Kovacsev described the victim’s injuries as “horrific” during a press conference, excerpts of which were shared by Fox 13.

“It’s kind of a unique case, because you don’t see anything like this — especially something that results in such horrific burns,” Kovacsev 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,” he added.

According to Fox 13 Tampa Bay, police said that Crawford initially approached the victim and asked to borrow her phone, which the victim allowed her to use.

Crawford then asked the victim for money. The victim refused, at which point Crawford allegedly set the gas nozzle on fire with a lighter, according to the outlet.

Assistant Police Chief Mike Kovacsev described the victim’s injuries as “horrific” during a press conference, excerpts of which were shared by Fox 13.

“It’s kind of a unique case, because you don’t see anything like this — especially something that results in such horrific burns,” Kovacsev 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,” he added.

Source: https://people.com/florida-woman-charged-after-allegedly-setting-stranger-on-fire-at-gas-station-12117958