Feb 20 - Alleged thief set on fire in Newark after caught breaking into truck

Alleged thief set on fire in Newark after caught breaking into truck
By James Queally/The Star-Ledger
on February 16, 2013 at 10:37 PM, updated February 17, 2013 at 12:06 AM

NEWARK — A Newark man was set on fire and seriously injured this afternoon when two men caught him trying to break into a truck — and responded by dousing him in an accelerant, officials said.

The victim, whose identity was not released, suffered second-degree burns to his arm, face, abdomen and head, said Capt. John Brown, a spokesman for the city fire department. He was taken to University Hospital in Newark, but Brown did not know the full extent of his injuries.

The man was allegedly breaking into a truck in the 100 block of Osborne Terrace around 1 p.m. Saturday when he was interrupted by two other men. They proceeded to spray him with an accelerant, possibly gasoline, and set him aflame, Brown said.

The[..]ailants, whose identities were not released, were charged with aggravated arson, Brown said. The victim was also charged, according to Brown, who said he did not know the specific charges.

Newark police did not respond to requests for comment.
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2 arrested, charged with setting Newark man on fire

By Dan Goldberg/The Star-Ledger
on February 17, 2013 at 4:30 PM, updated February 17, 2013 at 4:31 PM

NEWARK — Authorities have arrested two men who allegedly set a Newark man on fire after they caught him trying to break into their van, police said.

Leaver Harper, 33, of Newark, and Deon Mitchell, 43, of Union Township have been charged with dousing the Newark man with an accelerant and lighting him on fire, said Sgt. Ronald Glover.

The victim, whose identity was not released, was taken to University Hospital in Newark for treatment. He was listed in st@ble condition earlier today, police said.

Harper and Mitchell were both charged with aggravated arson, robbery, conspiracy and two counts each of aggravated[..]ault, possession of a weapon and unlawful possession of a weapon, police said.

This makes no sense to me... so they burnt a dude for breaking into a car and get charged for robbery... they guy that was breaking into the car gets arrested also, but dont know his charges... and then they get charged with having a weapon (cause its illegal) but then gets charged again for having an "illegal" weapon (cause its illegal)...

Citizens arrest !! [pic]

was he black ?

was he black ?

was he black ?