Woman Sets Stranger on Fire at Gas Station After Asking for Money

A Florida woman is facing attempted murder and arson charges after police say she deliberately set a stranger on fire at a gas station.

The shocking attack happened on the evening of Thursday, Sept. 10, at a Mobil station in St. Petersburg, according to the St. Petersburg Police Department.

Police identified the suspect as 41-year-old Eleanor Crawford.

Investigators said Crawford approached another 41-year-old woman at the gas station and initially asked to borrow her phone. The victim reportedly allowed her to use it.

Crawford then allegedly asked the woman for money.

When the victim refused, police say Crawford used a lighter to ignite gasoline coming from the fuel nozzle.

The victim’s vehicle quickly became engulfed in flames.

Police said the woman suffered serious second-degree burns and was rushed to Tampa General Hospital for treatment.

Assistant Police Chief Mike Kovacsev described the injuries as “horrific,” saying the case was especially disturbing because attacks like this are so unusual.

Despite the severity of her burns, authorities said the victim was stabilized and is expected to survive.

A witness who was parked nearby told Fox 13 Tampa Bay that the explosion of flames looked like a “fireball.”

The witness said he helped the injured woman into his truck and called 911.

Police said Crawford and the victim did not know each other before the attack, and investigators have not identified a clear motive.

Crawford was arrested nearby shortly after the incident.

She was charged with felony attempted murder and arson, according to Pinellas County court records.

It was not immediately clear whether she had hired an attorney.

Crawford was being held on $350,000 bond as she awaited further court proceedings.