Ohio Police Officer Burned when Woman Sets Self on Fire During Stop

CLEVELAND, OH— A woman set herself on fire following a traffic stop in Richfield, injuring a police officer attempting to help her, authorities say.

The police officer was treated for burns, while the woman remains hospitalized after an incident that began about 9:30 p.m. Friday in the area of Wheatley Road and Interstate 77, Richfield’s police chief, Michael Swanson, said in a statement.

Officers responded after receiving a call about a woman in crisis who was threatening to harm herself, he said. Police were able to get information that she was driving a white car near Wheatley Road and I-77.

A Richfield police officer found her and stopped her on Interstate 271, near the Ohio 303 exit, he said.

She got out of the car and poured a flammable liquid on herself, Swanson said.

The officer was in a struggle with her she pulled out a lighter and ignited herself, he said.

The officer extinguished the flames and called Richfield EMS personnel to the scene.

Both the woman and the officer were taken to an area hospital for burn-related injuries. Swanson said.

The chief said the incident is under investigation and would not comment further.

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