On Sunday, May 28th, 34-year-old Earl Hargrove Jr. of Florida was taken into custody and issued multiple charges, including one count of first-degree attempted murder and one count of aggravated battery resulting in serious bodily harm.
The incident occurred at a Mobile gas station in Tampa, Florida, where Hargrove and the victim involved – the identity of whom is yet to be disclosed by authorities – were engaged in a verbal disagreement.
Afterward, Hargrove purchased a small amount of gasoline and poured it onto the other individual before igniting them.
The victim was subsequently delivered to Tampa General Hospital and suffers from life-threatening injuries in a critical state. Chad Chronister, Hillsborough County Sheriff, voiced his opposition to the alleged behavior describing it as “deplorable.” He added, “A verbal argument should never result in this level of violence.” The confrontation’s context is currently unknown as to whether the two men were acquainted prior to the attack or not.
Authorities apprehended Hargrove at 8:30 p.m. on Sunday, and is now currently behind bars in the Falkenburg Road Jail. A bond of $115,000 has been placed, with $100,000 designated for the attempted murder charge and the rest for the aggravated battery charge.
This assault on the victim by Mr. Hargrove is a sorrowful reflection of the kind of violence that should not be tolerated. It is integral that justice is served to Mr. Hargrove and that the victim is given the necessary medical attention to help recover from their life-threatening injuries. HCSO investigators are appealing to the community for any aid and for anyone with information to contact them.