A 41-year-old woman was set on fire at a petrol station in St. Petersburg, Florida, after she allegedly refused to hand over cash to a stranger, according to police. The victim suffered second-degree burns and was taken to Tampa General Hospital, where she is expected to survive.
Attack sparked by refused money request
The incident began when Eleanor Crawford, also 41, approached the victim as she was filling up her car at a fuel pump and asked to borrow her phone. After the victim handed over the phone, Crawford then asked for money, which the victim refused.
Police stated that Crawford then took out a lighter and allegedly set the nozzle of the fuel pump alight. The flames engulfed both the victim and her car in seconds.
Witness describes 'fireball'
Witness Scotty Gamling rushed towards the incident and called 911, describing the scene as “a fireball.” Gamling had already phoned police about Crawford before the attack, saying he had spotted her involved in a disturbance across the street after an alleged altercation broke out.
Officers arrived quickly at the scene, and Crawford was apprehended within 20 minutes, according to Fox13 Tampa Bay.
Suspect arrested and charged
Police stated that Crawford has an extensive criminal history, including drug and alcohol-related offences. Investigators said the two women were strangers with no previous known relationship.
Assistant Police Chief Mike Kovacsev said in a press statement: “I don’t know if alcohol and drugs were involved, but indicative of her history, there might’ve been something that diminished capacity there.”
He added: “Why would she even do something like this? It’s kind of a unique case because you don’t see anything like this, especially something that results in such horrific burns. Luckily they were able to get her stabilized, and she’s going to make it.”
Crawford has been charged with attempted felony murder and two counts of arson. She is being held on a $350,000 bond awaiting trial. The case remains under investigation.
