Police in Staten Island are searching for the arsonist responsible for a gas pump fire early Monday morning.
Shocking video shows massive flames that left one bystander with serious injuries.
A man dipped a hose into a canister full of gasoline, then doused a pump before grabbing a paper receipt, lighting it on fire and throwing it the ground sending a massive burst of flames into the air as he jumps back.
Police say the mystery arsonist bought gas from an employee moments before. The employee said he sensed something was off. He says he tried to take the can away from the suspect and even shut off the pumps but it was too late.
Investigators believe the suspect and employee got into an argument about the purchase just before 2 a.m. The sudden fire seriously injured an innocent 21-year-old man who inhaled fumes and burnt his feet.
The clerk said the suspect’s shoes also caught on fire but he was able to kick them off and drive away in his blue minivan.
He was last seen wearing a light-colored long-sleeved shirt, dark colored shorts and dark colored slippers.
The 21-year old injured suffered internal injuries.
He's hospitalized and in serious, but stable, condition
