A Florida woman was seriously burned after police say a stranger deliberately ignited gasoline while she was filling up her SUV at a St. Petersburg gas station.
The terrifying attack happened around 8 p.m. Thursday, Sept. 10, at a Mobil station on 40th Avenue North.
Police said the 41-year-old victim was pumping gas into her Volvo SUV when 41-year-old Eleanor Crawford approached her.
According to investigators, Crawford first asked to use the woman’s phone.
The victim reportedly allowed her to make the call.
Crawford then allegedly asked the woman for money.
When the woman refused, police say Crawford used a lighter to ignite gasoline near the pump nozzle.
The fire quickly erupted and engulfed the SUV, seriously burning the victim.
A nearby witness, Scotty Gramling, said he saw what looked like a “fireball” and rushed to help.
Gramling had already contacted police after allegedly seeing Crawford involved in another altercation across the street.
When the flames broke out, he ran toward the victim, helped her into his truck and called 911.
The woman suffered second-degree burns to her arms and back and was rushed to Tampa General Hospital.
Assistant Police Chief Mike Kovacsev said she is expected to survive, but likely faces a long recovery.
Police said Crawford and the victim did not know each other.
Investigators have not announced a motive for the alleged attack.
Officers located Crawford a few blocks away shortly after the fire and took her into custody.
Pinellas County jail records list Crawford on charges of attempted felony murder and arson.
Her combined bond was set at $350,000.
Court records also show Crawford had been arrested in July by Gulfport Police on charges of battery on a law enforcement officer and resisting an officer without violence.
She was released in late August under supervised release on recognizance.
The case remains under investigation.
Crawford is presumed innocent unless proven guilty in court.
I love it when they are of the exact same age!!!!
This bitch needs the crap beat out of her, so she’ll twice next time.