A Florida woman is facing attempted felony murder and arson charges after allegedly setting a gas pump on fire, engulfing a victim in flames, police said.
The incident occurred Thursday night at a Mobil station in St. Petersburg when Eleanor Crawford, 41, approached a 41-year-old woman who was pumping gas into her SUV, according to authorities. Police stated the two women were strangers.
Crawford allegedly asked to borrow the victim's phone, which was handed over. Crawford then requested money, and when the victim refused, Crawford reportedly used a lighter to ignite the gas nozzle, causing flames to erupt around the victim and her vehicle.
A witness, Scotty Gamling, described the scene as a "fireball" and assisted the victim before calling 911. Gamling had reportedly called police about Crawford earlier in the evening due to a disturbance across the street, and officers were already responding when the gas station attack began.
Police apprehended Crawford nearby approximately 20 minutes after the incident. Investigators noted that Crawford has a criminal history that includes drug- and alcohol-related charges. Assistant Police Chief Mike Kovacsev suggested that while it was unclear if substances were involved, Crawford's history might indicate diminished capacity.
The victim sustained second-degree burns to her arms and back and was transported to Tampa General Hospital. Her injuries are not considered life-threatening.
"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. "Luckily they were able to get her stabilized, and she's going to make it."