Home / Crime and Justice / Stranger Ignites Fuel, Victim Burns
Stranger Ignites Fuel, Victim Burns
13 Sep
Summary
- A woman faces attempted felony murder and arson charges.
- The victim suffered second-degree burns in the attack.
- The suspect allegedly lit gasoline at a gas station.
Eleanor Crawford, 41, has been arrested and charged with attempted felony murder and two counts of arson following a disturbing incident at a St. Petersburg gas station. On Thursday night, Crawford allegedly approached Christine Sherbuk, 41, as she was pumping gas and used a lighter to ignite the fuel. The resulting fireball engulfed the victim and her vehicle, causing second-degree burns to Sherbuk's arms and back.
Sherbuk was transported to Tampa General Hospital in serious condition but is expected to survive. Witnesses described the event as a "fireball" and one individual, Scotty Gramling, assisted the injured woman before calling 911. Police stated that Crawford and Sherbuk did not know each other, and no motive has been established.
Crawford has an extensive criminal record. She is being held on $350,000 bond. The Pinellas County Sheriff's Office has ordered her to wear a GPS monitor if released pending trial. The investigation into this unique and severe attack is ongoing.
