Argument At Oldsmar Homeless Camp Leads To Man Being Set On Fire

OLDSMAR, FL --Pinellas County Sheriff's detectives have arrested a homeless man accused of setting another homeless man on fire following an argument.

According to detectives, at about 12:28 a.m. on Saturday, Oct. 6, deputies and Eastlake Fire Rescue firefighters were called to a fire at a homeless camp in a wooded area southeast of Tampa Road and Eastlake Road in Oldsmar.

Detectives say, when deputies arrived on the scene, 60-year-old James Heffernan was suffering severe burns on about 75 percent of his body. Heffernan was transported to a local trauma center along with 64-year-old David Mahoney who was burned trying to put the fire out. A third man, 44-year-old Harold Rosenbaum Jr., was uninjured in the incident. All three men were intoxicated.

Detectives learned an argument occurred between Heffernan and Rosenbaum inside a tent at the homeless camp. The argument became physical and Heffernan exited the tent with Rosenbaum following after him.

Detectives say Heffernan and Rosenbaum continued the argument outside of the tent and Rosenbaum picked up a gasoline can, poured gas on on Heffernan and set him on fire. Moments later, Mahoney exited the tent and saw Heffernan fully engulfed in flames. After struggling with the panicking Heffernan for a few minutes, Mahoney was able to extinguish the fire, burning his hands and feet in the process.

Rosenbaum was arrested and transported to the Pinellas County Jail where he is charged with one count of attempted murder. Mahoney remains in a local trauma center with non-life-threatening injuries. Heffernan is in a local trauma center in critical condition.

Image via Pinellas Sheriff

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