Judge Sentences Woman Who Threw Flaming Cup During Argument

MINNEAPOLIS (WCCO) – A Maplewood woman charged for throwing a flaming cup of gas on another woman was sentenced to six years in prison Monday.

A judge sentenced Laurel Sykes to 74 months. Sykes originally pleaded not guilty to first degree assault, but amended her plea in October as part of a plea agreement.

The incident occurred in May. A witness told police the victim and Sykes were arguing over a man they were both seeing. Sykes left and returned with a gas can. She poured gas into the cup, lit it on fire and threw it at the victim, the witness said.

Another witness confirmed this account.

The victim received non-life threatening burns and was treated at Regions Hospital.