Transient in Critical Condition After Setting Himself Afire
A 24-year-old transient was in critical condition Monday after dousing himself with gasoline and setting himself afire at a Downey gas station, police said.
Investigators said they have no indication why Clark Palomino walked up to the Mobil station at 8500 Firestone Blvd., purchased $2 worth of gasoline, poured it over his head and body, then lit a match at 6:25 p.m. Sunday. A bystander put out the flames with a fire extinguisher.
Palomino was being treated for third-degree burns over 90% of his body at Downey Community Hospital, Sgt. Jim Elsasser said.
Start your day right
Sign up for Essential California for news, features and recommendations from the L.A. Times and beyond in your inbox six days a week.
You may occasionally receive promotional content from the Los Angeles Times.
