Man accused of setting another man on fire at gas station
-
A terrifying confrontation between two men at a gas station, ended when one doused the other with gasoline and set him on fire. Video by ktnv.com
video
Las Vegas, NV (KTNV) -- Las Vegas police say a confrontation between two men at a gas station, ended when one doused the other with gasoline and set him on fire.
It happened around 1 a.m. Oct. 10 at the Circle K Gas Station located at 9487 Las Vegas Blvd. South, near Silverado Ranch.
Police arrested Patrick Newell, 61, for the attempted murder of Theodore Bejarano, 37.
Investigators say Newell admitted to setting Bejarano on fire. According to his arrest report, Newell told police that Bejarano wouldn't stop harassing him.
The arrest report says Patrick Newell was filling up his gas tank around the same time Bejarano was kicked out of the Circle K convenience store for drinking beer inside. Bejarano was allegedly playing slots there.
Police say Bejarano leaned on Newell's truck and began pestering him for a ride home. An argument ensued.
The arrest report details how Newell first pulled out a pocket knife and threatened Bejarano. Newell then went inside the convenience store to ask the clerk to call police. Newell says he told the clerk that he was being harassed by Bejarano.
Soon after, the confrontation escalated to the point where witnesses say Newell sprayed Bejarano with gasoline from the pump.
"He pulled out a lighter and said I am going to light you on fire if you don't leave me alone," witness Aaron Gach says. "I'm not sure he really intended to do it, but they got so close to each other, that the flame ignited. It was really scary. The guy's whole body was on fire. We didn't know if the gas station was going to explode. And the guy who did it, was eerily calm. I'll never forget it."
Bejarano is a father and he recently got engaged. University Medical Center confirms he's still in the hospital's burn unit, in critical condition.
Police say he has second degree burns on about 15 percent of his body -- mainly on his left side, and both arms.
This site uses Facebook comments to make it easier for you to contribute. If you see a comment you would like to flag for spam or abuse, click the "x" in the upper right of it. By posting, you agree to our Terms of Use.