A 45-year-old man has been arrested for dousing a homeless man in a flammable liquid before setting him on fire.
The unprovoked attack occurred in Santa Ana, California and was caught on surveillance camera. Video shows the homeless man resting on the sidewalk when a cyclist approached him and doused him in fuel.
The attacker, who has been arrested and named by officers as Adrian Herrera, can be seen covering his face and dressed in black.
Footage shows the victim trying to run away but the suspect set him on fire with a lighter. The flames quickly engulfed the man’s arm and climbed to his head.
According to ABC7, the department of Santa Ana police said the victim was entirely engulfed.
The Orange County Register reported that a witness immediately called for help.
Sadly, the victim sustained first, second and third degree burns in the traumatic incident and required surgery. He remains in critical condition at a hospital.
The 45-year-old suspect was arrested on suspicion of arson and attempted murder.
According to CBSLocal, officers spotted the attacker and his bicycle and arrested him as he matched the description of the suspect.
“Detectives are collaborating with the Orange County District Attorney’s Office and working on gathering additional evidence,” the Santa Ana Police department said.
One internet user commented: “Evil certainly is walking among us all. Only can hope that perpetrator comes to a soon end of life, we don’t need people like that walking this earth.”
Another wrote: “My prayers for this victim. What a horrible ordeal to go through. For the other guy…. simple.. death sentence feels appropriate.”
A third added: “Well if he did that to me he would be on fire too. I would have jump up and put myself out with him. Learn how to protect yourselves people as youre gonna need it!”
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Replaced!