Editor’s note: The details of this story are disturbing.
RICHFIELD, Ohio (WJW) — A woman reportedly lit herself on fire during a struggle with a village police officer.
Officers learned the woman was “in crisis” and threatening to harm herself at about 9:30 p.m. Friday, Sept. 23, according to a news release from Richfield Police Department. She was traveling in a vehicle near Wheatley Road and Interstate 77.
Police caught up with her along Interstate 271 near the state Route 303 exit. She got out of the vehicle and “poured a flammable liquid on herself,” reads the release. During an altercation with an officer, she used a lighter to ignite herself.
The officer put out the flames and called Richfield EMS to the scene. Both the officer and the victim were taken to a hospital for burns.
The officer was treated and released. The victim, whom police have not identified, remained hospitalized.
The incident is under investigation and police aren’t offering any more details.
***If you are having suicidal thoughts or experiencing a mental health crisis, call the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline at 988.***