Man sets himself on fire in Starbucks bathroom, 90% of his body burned
A 60-year-old man set himself on fire Tuesday morning after locking himself in the bathroom of a Van Nuys Starbucks, authorities said.
The man suffered burns to 90% of his body in what police say was a suicide attempt. He was in critical condition.
The man, who police said was a transient, came into the coffee shop just after 8 a.m. and locked himself in the bathroom, LAPD Officer Liliana Preciado said.
Moments later, witnesses heard “an explosive sound” in the coffee shop in 15300 block of West Sherman Way, said Erik Scott, spokesman for the Los Angeles Fire Department.
The man staggered out of the bathroom and was engulfed in flames, Scott said. He fell on the ground near the front of the store.
Customers helped put out the flames before firefighters arrived.
LAFD arson investigators are looking into the fire.
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