Man critically injured after woman reportedly set him on fire at gas station

MIDVALE — A man was taken to the hospital with critical injuries late Friday night after police received reports that another person set them on fire at a Midvale gas station.

Sgt. Aymee Race with the Unified Police Department said police received a call at approximately 11:15 p.m. that “a person in a vehicle (was) ignited by another individual at a gas station near 210 West 7200 South.”

Race said one person was booked into the Salt Lake County Jail after the incident. The Unified Police Department’s arson team was investigating.

A probable cause statement for the incident identified 23-year-old Ella Nelson as the individual who was taken into custody. The statement said multiple witnesses saw Nelson in the same vehicle as the victim.

“The two appeared to be arguing, and the witnesses observed the female pour a liquid on the male and then light a lighter which caught him on fire,” the statement said. “Video surveillance from the gas station shows the victim running around with his clothing ablaze, with matching statements from witnesses.”

The statement said the victim received severe burns to his back, head and extremities.

Witnesses reportedly saw Nelson flee the scene. Police used security footage to track her to a nearby hotel, where she was arrested. The statement said she admitted to police that she had been arguing with her boyfriend, but declined to speak further.

No information was released about the victim, as Race said it was still a very active investigation.

---

This is a breaking news story. It may be updated.