Woman Suffers 'Horrific Burns' After Stranger Set Her on Fire for Refusing To Spare Money

A Florida woman has been arrested after allegedly setting a stranger and her vehicle on fire at a petrol station in St Petersburg, leaving the victim with second-degree burns.

The incident happened at about 8pm on Thursday, 10 September, at a Mobil station at 101 40th Avenue North, according to the St Petersburg Police Department (SPPD). The 41-year-old victim was filling her Volvo SUV when Eleanor Crawford, also 41, approached her.

Police said Crawford initially asked to use the woman's phone. After the victim agreed, Crawford allegedly asked her for money. When the request was refused, investigators said Crawford used a lighter to ignite petrol around the fuel nozzle.

The flames quickly engulfed the vehicle and injured the woman. She suffered second-degree burns to her arms and back and was taken to Tampa General Hospital. Authorities said she was stabilised and is expected to survive.

Witness Describes Petrol Station as a 'Fireball'

A nearby witness, Scotty Gramling, said he saw the incident unfold and rushed to help the injured woman. Gramling told Fox 13 that the scene looked like a 'fireball'. He helped the victim into his truck and called 911.

The witness had reportedly contacted police shortly before the fire after seeing Crawford involved in what appeared to be an altercation across the street. He said officers were already responding when the petrol station incident occurred.

Police later confirmed that Crawford and the victim did not know each other. Investigators have not disclosed a motive for the alleged attack.

Assistant Police Chief Mike Kovacsev said the circumstances were particularly disturbing because of the severity of the woman's injuries.

'I don't know if alcohol and drugs were involved, but indicative of her history, there might've been something that diminished capacity there,' Kovacsev said. 'Why would she even do something like this?'

He added: 'It's kind of a unique case because you don't see anything like this, especially something that results in such horrific burns. But they went out there, they worked with the fire department, and luckily they were able to get her stabilized, and she's going to make it.'

Crawford Arrested Within 20 Minutes

Officers arrested Crawford a few blocks from the petrol station about 20 minutes after the alleged attack. Police said she was taken into custody without further incident as investigators worked to establish what led to the confrontation.

Police said Crawford has an extensive criminal history, including previous drug- and alcohol-related charges. However, authorities have not established whether she was under the influence of drugs or alcohol when the fire was allegedly started. Investigators are continuing to examine the circumstances surrounding the incident and what may have prompted the attack.

Court records cited in local reports show Crawford is facing charges of attempted felony murder and arson. Her bond was set at $350,000 (about £260,000), according to court records reported by Fox News.

The case remains under investigation as authorities continue to gather evidence. Crawford is presumed innocent unless and until she is proven guilty in court. Further details about the case are expected to emerge as the legal proceedings continue.