Florida Woman Sets Gas Pump Fire After Refusing To Lend Phone

A Florida woman faced a nightmare while filling up her car. She let a stranger borrow her phone at a Mobil station in Saint Petersburg. That stranger then demanded cash. The victim said no. Eleanor Crawford, 41, used a lighter to set the gas nozzle on fire. Flames engulfed her Volvo SUV instantly.

The woman suffered serious second-degree burns from the blaze. Police arrested Crawford just one block away within minutes. She faces felony murder and arson charges. Scotty Gramling rushed in to help the victim into his truck while others called 911. He described the fire as a massive fireball. A witness had already flagged police after seeing a struggle earlier that day.

Lieutenant Governor Jay Collins spoke out about this attack. He called it horrifying and noted that ordinary tasks should not fear danger. Gramling helped stabilize the victim at the scene before she went to Tampa General Hospital. Officials say Crawford has a long record of drug and alcohol charges. Assistant Police Chief Mike Kovacsev suggested drugs or alcohol might have been involved. He said the case is unique because such severe burns are rare.

The state remains grateful for those who acted quickly. Law enforcement worked with firefighters to save the victim's life. Collins emphasized that people must feel safe doing daily things like pumping gas. The community now looks at how regulations protect citizens from such violence. This incident highlights risks to public safety when strangers demand money or access.