Cops: Detroit man set girlfriend on fire over argument

DETROIT - Police said a couple's squabble escalated dramatically when a man set his girlfriend on fire, reports CBS Detroit.

According to the station, it happened just after midnight on Friday in Detroit. Arson Chief Charles Simms said the 59-year-old man just snapped during an argument with his 40-year-old girlfriend. Neither the suspect nor the victim has been identified.

"[The boyfriend] went to get a gas can and he poured gasoline over his girlfriend," Simms said. "He ignited her."

CBS Detroit reports the woman is in critical condition at Detroit Receiving Hospital. Simms said she suffered second- and third-degree burns from the waist up.

The man was immediately taken into police custody and could be facing life 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.

It is unclear what caused the suspect to snap. The incident remains under investigation.