Harry Frederick Suniville Set Himself On Fire While Stealing Gasoline: Police

An Oregon man set himself and his car on fire in a disastrous attempt at stealing gasoline -- while smoking a cigarette.

Police say that Harry Frederick Suniville, 62, stole a partially-filled gas can from a truck parked next to his own at a Portland gas station. He poured the gas while enjoying a smoke just after 11 a.m. Sunday, when things got a little hot.

According to KATU:

The gas caught on fire, burning his socks and pants and singeing his hair and eyebrows, police said. Suniville’s vehicle had to be towed away because it suffered fire damage. Police said the truck Suniville stole the gas from also suffered fire damage.

Portland firefighters extinguished the fire and medical personnel treated Suniville for injuries. His vehicle was towed from the scene, according to KGW.

Suniville was charged with second degree criminal mischief, reckless burning and third degree theft.

He was booked into the Multnomah County Jail.