Texas Officer Burned on Domestic Disturbance Call

A police officer in Harlingen, Texas, is hospitalized in critical condition after being doused with gasoline and catching on fire, say police.

Officer Carlos Ramos, 35, suffered second-degree burns to his neck and right arm and third-degree burns to his legs. A bulletproof vest protected Ramos’ chest and back, says his sister, Migdalia Ramos.

Sergio Gonzales, 42, was arraigned on six counts Tuesday morning, including aggravated assault of a police officer, evading arrest, assault family violence, arson, and attempted capital murder.

Ramos, a two-year veteran of the Harlingen Police Department, first responded to a domestic disturbance call at 8:40 p.m. Sunday, but Gonzales evaded police after a car chase. Ramos returned to the residence at 4:00 a.m. Monday on a second call. Gonzales reportedly poured gasoline throughout his house and lit a match as officers entered to arrest him.

A fire spread and damaged the home before firefighters put it out. No other injuries were reported.