Man sets self on fire outside Poplar Bluff VA center

POPLAR BLUFF, Mo. -- Authorities believe a patient of the John J. Pershing VA Medical Center attempted to commit suicide Thursday afternoon on the hospital's property by lighting himself on fire with gasoline.

The 52-year-old Poplar Bluff veteran was flown to St. John's Mercy Medical Center just before 5 p.m. after initially being treated at Poplar Bluff Regional Medical Center. The man, according to hospital personnel, is a patient in the burn unit at the St. Louis hospital and is listed in critical condition.

The Poplar Bluff Police Department was notified at 3:02 p.m. of an "individual who was dousing himself in gas," explained Deputy Police Chief Jeff Rolland. "Naturally, we dispatched officers to the VA property.

"As soon as the responding officers arrived, he ignited himself. They immediately extinguished him and requested (emergency medical services personnel) to transport him" to the hospital.

As the man was being treated, officers began their investigation.

The incident, Rolland said, happened on the northwest portion of the VA property.

From all indications, Rolland said, it appeared to be a suicide attempt although no note has been "uncovered at this time."

It is unknown at this time whether the man had been seen at the VA Thursday, Rolland said. "We don't know why," he said.

The man's "motivation at this point is speculation; we have no clue as to his path of motivation," said Capt. Mike Elliott. "We are satisfied he had no outside (help); it was self inflicted."