VAN NUYS, Calif. (KTLA) — A woman was hospitalized in critical condition and a suspect was arrested after she was set on fire while sleeping on a bus bench in Van Nuys.
It happened around 1 a.m. near the corner of Van Nuys Boulevard and Sherman Way.
The victim, a 67-year-old homeless woman who frequented the area, was sleeping on a bus bench outside a Walgreens store.
Police have not released her name, but locals identified her as Violent Parker.
According to witnesses, Dennis Petillo, 24, went into the Walgreens and bought some rubbing alcohol, then walked out and doused the woman.
“He went inside to the Walgreens store, bought alcohol and then he just poured it all over the old lady,” said witness Erickson Ipina.
“Then he threw the match on her and started running,” he recalled.
Ipina chased after the suspect and called 911 from his cell phone.
Petillo was arrested on suspicion of attempted murder. He is no stranger to the law, court records show.
Since 2008, he has pleaded guilty twice to charges related to vehicle theft. The second time, he was sentenced to two years in prison.
Police arrested a man after he allegedly set a 67-year-old homeless woman on fire while she slept on a bus bench in Van Nuys. She was hospitalized in critical condition.
102 Comments to “Woman Set on Fire While Sleeping on Bus Bench”
December 27, 2012 at 2:58 PM
Mark – you need to slow down – i detect that your blood is boiling – take it down 10x b4 u have a stroke or heart attack and we'll wonder what happened to the guy that made the really, really, really stupid comments – William Spengler, 62 white male, killed his grandmother in 1980 and was out on the streets, doing what he do best killing people –
December 27, 2012 at 3:00 PM
LA Times released the names of the persons (white – no doubt) who molested the little boy scouts – sad – they should be cell mates with good 'ole Jerry
December 27, 2012 at 3:11 PM
Dude, I come on here to read the news, but you are all much more entertaining.
December 27, 2012 at 3:14 PM
There is no sherman oaks burn center – they moved it to west hills. It's called the Grossman Burn Center – and I doubt she is there – she is prob at county USC med center. That is where they take folks that have no incurance.
December 27, 2012 at 4:48 PM
I myself feel it's wrong for anyone to do such heinous crimes towards any race and btw Fast Freddie as well as borris morris and anyone else who's racial beliefs are those of much ignorance, you truly need to grow up and see that all crimes are commited by all races not just us as Blacks. I can't even begin where your parents met as they were introduced by their brother n sister whom are most likely kissing cousins or brothers n sisters Inbreeding is illegal and the both of you may end being kissing brothers too!!! IJS
December 27, 2012 at 5:27 PM
What a N****r.
December 27, 2012 at 9:01 PM
because the redneck white trash dont have anything better to do but to hate, we ll have the last laugh when they are all in HELL. HAHAHAHAH
December 27, 2012 at 9:10 PM
Black guy….what a surprise.
December 28, 2012 at 10:18 AM
Yah it’s true most violent crime is black and sadder, it’s black on black.
What can one expect of people though when they are born and raised in a failed subculture that despises vicarious education, ridicules the children who do well in school or elsewhere and validates animalistic violence? What can one expect from a failed subculture where dependence instead of personal dignity and responsibility is the dominant theme in most homes,where stable marriage is the rare exception and serial welfare babies are the norm?
I’d guess this was a gang initiation. Gangs are just filthy parasitical vermin who prey on weaker people and make the world them a horrible place for everyone.
So many problems. Maybe we should stop paying to perpetuate them.
December 28, 2012 at 10:29 AM
Hello!
I am trying to raise some funds for Violet.. She is a elderly homeless woman who was doused with a flammable liquid and set on fire while she was sleeping on a bus stop bench…Won't you help me? I have set up a 30 day fund raiser .. Please help won't you?!?!?
Thanks,
Rita Thomas
http://www.indiegogo.com/projects/303324/x/199835…