Florida Woman Accused of Setting Gas Pump on Fire, Injuring Stranger in Shocking Attack

A Florida woman is facing attempted murder and arson charges after police say she deliberately set fire to gasoline at a St. Petersburg gas station, causing flames to engulf a stranger and the vehicle she was refueling.

Eleanor Crawford, 41, was arrested following the incident, which occurred at approximately 8 p.m. on September 10, 2026, at a Mobil gas station in St. Petersburg.

According to police, the 41-year-old victim was refueling a Volvo when Crawford approached and first asked to borrow a phone. She then reportedly asked the victim for money.

After the victim refused, authorities allege Crawford used a lighter to ignite fuel at the pump nozzle. The gasoline caught fire, sending flames toward the victim and engulfing both the person and the vehicle.

The victim suffered second-degree burns to the hands and back and was transported to Tampa General Hospital for treatment. Despite the severity of the incident, the victim is expected to survive.

Police said Crawford and the victim were strangers and did not appear to have any known relationship. Authorities have not yet determined what motivated the alleged attack or why Crawford targeted the victim.

Crawford was arrested near the scene and has been charged with attempted murder and arson. Court records indicate that bail was set at $350,000.

The investigation remains ongoing as authorities work to establish the circumstances leading up to the confrontation and determine whether additional evidence could shed light on the alleged motive.

The charges against Crawford are allegations, and she is presumed innocent unless proven guilty in court.

Source: FOX13