A woman in Florida suffered severe burns after a stranger allegedly set her on fire while she was pumping gas. The attack took place at a St. Petersburg Mobil station, according to police reports.
Details of the Incident
The victim, Christine Sherbuk, age 41, was filling her Volvo SUV when Eleanor Crawford, also 41, allegedly ignited the gasoline using a lighter. Court records identify Sherbuk as the victim of this seemingly random attack. The incident occurred around 8 p.m., and Sherbuk ended up with second-degree burns on her arms and back.
Response and Aftermath
After the attack, Sherbuk was quickly transported to the trauma center at Tampa General Hospital. Despite her serious condition, she has been stabilized and is expected to survive. A witness, Scotty Gramling, intervened during the incident, assisting Sherbuk to safety and calling 911. He described seeing her SUV in flames and called it a ‘fireball’.
Prior to the gas station incident, Gramling had reported a disturbance involving Crawford. He noted that Crawford was involved in some altercation across the street, and officers were already en route to that scene when the gas station attack happened.
Arrest and Charges
Police apprehended Crawford a few blocks away from the scene, about 20 minutes after the attack. Witnesses reported seeing Crawford start the fire, and security footage captured the event. Crawford has been charged with attempted felony murder and two counts of arson. Her bond is set at $350,000, and she must wear a GPS monitor upon her potential release.
Unknown Motive
Investigators confirmed that Crawford and Sherbuk did not know each other. However, police have not yet identified a motive for the attack. Assistant Police Chief Mike Kovacsev mentioned that Crawford has a record involving several drug and alcohol offenses, suggesting possible substance influence. The investigation is ongoing to determine further details.
“Why would she even do something like this?” Assistant Police Chief Mike Kovacsev pondered during an interview with Fox 13.
Detectives from the St. Petersburg Police Department continue to probe the case. Crawford’s legal proceedings will unfold as the investigation develops.