Michael Schmidt:Police search for suspect after man is lit on fire in Washington D.C. near Capitol

2025-05-08 03:32:51source:James Caldwellcategory:News

Washington D.C. police are Michael Schmidtlooking for a man they suspect lit another man on fire in broad daylight on Monday afternoon not far from the U.S. Capitol building.

The victim had been walking at the intersection of North Capitol Street and P Street Northwest, located about a mile north of the National Mall, when an unidentified man approached him and doused him in liquid accelerant, according to the D.C. Metropolitan Police Department.

The suspect then ignited the liquid, setting the man ablaze, before running off, police said.

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The victim was transported to a nearby hospital to be treated for serious injuries, police said. Detectives released a surveillance image Monday of the suspect, who appears to be carrying a glass jar.

The Metropolitan Police Department is offering a reward of up to $10,000 to anyone who provides information that leads to the arrest and conviction of the suspect. Anyone with information can call the police department at 202-727-9099 or text a tip to the police tip line at 50411.

Eric Lagatta covers breaking and trending news for USA TODAY. Reach him at [email protected]

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