A woman in Florida suffered severe burns after an incident at a gas station where a stranger allegedly ignited the fuel she was pumping with a lighter. The attack occurred at a St. Petersburg Mobil station on Thursday evening.
Incident Details
Christine Sherbuk, the 41-year-old victim, was filling her Volvo SUV when the attack happened. Eleanor Crawford, also 41, approached and allegedly set the gasoline on fire around 8 p.m.
Aftermath and Rescue
Sherbuk was left with second-degree burns on her arms and back and was urgently taken to Tampa General Hospital. Her condition was stabilized, and she is expected to recover.
Scotty Gramling, a nearby witness, quickly intervened. He helped Sherbuk to his vehicle and contacted emergency services.
Events Leading Up to the Incident
Just before the attack, Gramling noticed Crawford across the street, seemingly involved in a dispute. He had called the police non-emergency line noting Crawford’s behavior. Officers were already on their way to the location when the gas station situation escalated.
Investigation and Arrest
Police apprehended Crawford soon after, thanks to eyewitness reports and video evidence showing her action. The victim and suspect did not know each other, and a motive has not been identified.
Legal Proceedings and Background
Crawford faces charges including attempted felony murder and arson. Her bond is set at $350,000 with conditions for a GPS monitor. She also has a history of charges related to drugs and alcohol.
The investigation into the case is ongoing. The involvement of drugs or alcohol during the attack remains unclear.