Police search for suspect who lit homeless man on fire
Mar 13, 2015, 5:35 PM | Updated: 6:06 pm
A homeless man is in critical condition after witnesses found him on fire Thursday evening.
Pierce County Sheriff’s spokesman Ed Troyer told KIRO Radio’s Ron & Don Show that nearby workers found the man engulfed in flames near a medical clinic at 150th and Pacific Avenue in Spanaway.
Troyer said authorities believe another person may have been responsible for setting the man on fire.
“We kind of ruled out that he did it to himself with the fact that there are no cans or flammable liquids or accelerants in the area.”
Troyer said witnesses report the man was speaking when they arrived on scene, and told them another person was involved.
“We are looking as if he was lit on fire by somebody because he made a comment to somebody that somebody had lit him on fire.”
Troyer said the victim, a known transient in the area, was not able to give them any information about the suspect because he became unconscious.
“We’re at the point right now that we’re going to need help from the public or somebody that might know something about what happened to him,” said Troyer.
Anyone with information is asked to call Tacoma-Pierce County Crime Stoppers at 800-222-TIPS.
