TAMPA, Fla. (WFLA) – A man was taken to the hospital after another person doused him with gasoline and set him on fire at a gas station in Tampa Sunday afternoon.
According to the Hillsborough County Sheriff’s Office, deputies were dispatched to the Mobile gas station on Bearss Avenue and 22nd Street around 4:35 p.m. for an argument between Earl Hargrove Jr., 34, and another person.
Deputies said things escalated when Hargrove bought a “small amount” of gasoline, doused the other man with gasoline, and lit him on fire.
HCSO said the man was taken to Tampa General Hospital for life-threatening injuries. As of Monday morning, he remains in critical condition.
“A verbal argument should never escalate to this level of violence,” said Sheriff Chad Chronister. “This suspect’s behavior is not only deplorable but will never be tolerated in our community. The suspect, in this case, is currently behind bars while we wait in anticipation for justice to be served.”
Hargrove was charged with aggravated battery great bodily harm and attempted murder in the first degree.
Those with information on this case are asked to call 813-247-8200.