El Sobrante store clerk set on fire by alleged shoplifter: video

https://cdn.usacrime.com/el-sobrante-store-clerk-set-on-fire-by-alleged-shoplifter-video.mp4

EL SOBRANTE, Calif. — A store clerk who tried to stop a man from stealing a third time in one day was set on fire during the confrontation.

Surveillance video captured the moment a man poured lighter fluid on the worker and set him on fire.

Suraj, who declined to share his last name for safety reasons, suffered second and third-degree burns on his face, neck, chest and shoulder — and has been hospitalized since Sept. 22.

Suraj said he’s worked as a clerk at Appian Food and Liquor in El Sobrante for about five years. He said workers deal with shoplifters often, but nothing like this has ever happened.

On this day, he said his coworker alerted him to the repeat shoplifter who stole lighter fluid each time. Suraj tried to stop him, while his co-worker grabbed a bat.

The Contra Costa County Sheriff’s Office said deputies arrested the suspect, 38-year-old Kendall Burton, a homeless person in El Sobrante. He’s facing charges including assault with a deadly weapon, battery, arson and robbery. He’s being held without bail.

Suraj said he needs several surgeries and faces a long road to recovery.