Chief: Detroit Man Set Girlfriend On Fire During Argument
DETROIT (WWJ) - Authorities in Detroit say a lovers' quarrel took a violent turn when a man set his girlfriend on fire.
The incident happened just after midnight Friday at a home on Canton Street, near East Grand Boulevard and Mack Avenue.
Detroit Arson Chief Charles Simms said the 59-year-old man was arguing with his 40-year-old girlfriend when he snapped.
"At that time he went to get a gas can and he poured gasoline over his girlfriend and he ignited her," Simms said.
The woman is currently in critical condition at Detroit Receiving Hospital.
"She suffered second and third degree burns from the waist up," Simms said.
The man, whose name was not released, was immediately taken into custody and could now be facing a lifetime behind bars.
"We're going to try to charge him with, of course, first degree arson, which is a life offense, and assault with intent to commit murder," Simms said.
The incident remains under investigation.