A Florida woman experienced a terrifying ordeal at a gas station in what authorities describe as a seemingly random attack. Christine Sherbuk, 41, was engulfed in flames when a stranger allegedly set the fuel she was pumping alight.

Incident Details

The attack took place at a Mobil gas station in St. Petersburg. Sherbuk was filling her Volvo SUV on Thursday night when Eleanor Crawford, also 41, walked up and allegedly ignited the gasoline with a lighter.

Fire quickly engulfed the vehicle, leaving Sherbuk with severe burns on her arms and back. She was quickly transported to Tampa General Hospital’s trauma center and has since stabilized.

Witness Accounts

Scotty Gramling, a bystander, witnessed the incident from his nearby parked vehicle. He quickly acted to help Sherbuk, pulling her into his truck and contacting emergency services. Gramling described the scene as a ‘fireball.’

Prior to the attack, Gramling had noticed a disturbance involving Crawford across the street. He had phoned the police non-emergency line, as Crawford seemed involved in a dispute. Officers were already en route when the gas station incident occurred.

Police Response and Investigation

Police apprehended Crawford within 20 minutes, a few blocks away from the scene. Multiple witnesses reportedly saw Crawford light the gasoline, with the incident captured on video. Authorities state the two women did not know each other, and no motive has been disclosed.

Assistant Police Chief Mike Kovacsev mentioned Crawford’s history involving drug and alcohol charges, hinting at possible diminished capacity. The case is described as rare due to the severe burns caused.

Legal Proceedings

Crawford faces serious charges, including attempted felony murder and two counts of arson. She remains in custody on a $350,000 bond and must wear a GPS monitor upon release, as ordered by a judge.

Authorities continue to investigate the incident. Further details may be forthcoming.