Woman Sets Self on Fire at Traffic Stop, Officer Injured

A woman set herself on fire following a traffic stop in Richfield, OH, Friday night 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, 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. A Richfield police officer found her and stopped her on Interstate 271.

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.