Woman arrested for allegedly setting another person ablaze at St. Petersburg gas station

According to a police release, 41-year-old Eleanor Crawford was arrested after an alleged attack at a Mobil gas station on 40th Avenue North, where she approached a woman filling her Volvo SUV and deliberately set gasoline alight with a lighter. The blaze engulfed the vehicle and left the victim with serious second-degree burns, prompting transport to Tampa General Hospital for treatment. Police found Crawford a short distance away and detained her without bond at the Pinellas County Jail.

Officials have not released the victim’s identity and note that Crawford and the victim were strangers, with no clear motive identified. Crawford’s prior record in Pinellas County includes battery, petty theft, disorderly intoxication, drug possession, and a recent arrest for battery on a law-enforcement officer and resisting arrest. Her recent arrest report indicated she was transient and displayed signs of mental-health issues.