A factory worker in Texas was arrested after allegedly dousing one of his coworkers in gasoline and attempting to light the man on fire using a makeshift blowtorch.
Imperial Star Solar, a company that specializes in products that promote clean energy, recently opened a manufacturing facility in Harris County, Texas. Since over 1500 individuals work at the facility, it seems feasible that employees may have interpersonal issues with each other from time to time, and on April 21, an incident between two men resulted in an arrest.
According to reports, a 28-year-old temporary employee who had worked at the facility for approximately two months was reportedly angry at a man who works on a different assembly line because he believed he had made comments about his mother, who resides in Sudan. When his coworker left the building, the man, who was reportedly carrying a beverage container filled with gasoline and a can of Lysol, trailed after him. When he caught up to him, he allegedly squirted the gas on the man. Afterwards, he reportedly pointed the can of Lysol at his coworker, pulled out a lighter, and attempted to ignite the spray like a makeshift blowtorch, causing the man to run away.
The gas-soaked employee tripped and fell down, and he was reportedly held down by the man, who allegedly tried to set him on fire but could not get the lighter to work. Other people in the parking lot saw what was going on and stepped in until the police arrived.
The man was taken into custody and booked into the Harris County Jail. He is facing preliminary charges of second-degree felony aggravated assault with a deadly weapon. According to facility records, he is currently being held in lieu of a $50,000 bond.
It was reported that both of the alleged victim’s eyes were injured during the encounter, in addition to a possible ankle fracture.
If you or someone you love is suspected of an assault or battery offense, contact Orange County criminal defense lawyer Staycie R. Sena at (949) 477-8088 for a consultation now.