Danville, Virginia City Councilman Lee Vogler was the victim of a horrifying attack Tuesday when a man allegedly doused him with gasoline and set him on fire inside an office building in downtown Danville.
Police identified the suspect as Shotsie Michael Buck Hayes, 29, who was arrested shortly after the incident and is currently in custody. Authorities say the attack appears to have been personal and not politically motivated.
Brutal Assault Unfolds in Broad Daylight
The incident occurred around 11:30 a.m. on the 700 block of Main Street, where Vogler was visiting the offices of Showcase Magazine.
According to magazine publisher Andrew Brooks, Hayes forced his way into the office, carrying a five-gallon container of gasoline. He poured it on Vogler, who attempted to flee to the front of the building.
“The individual followed him and set him on fire,” Brooks said in a video statement.
Vogler Airlifted for Emergency Burn Treatment
Vogler, 38, was airlifted to a regional burn unit in Chapel Hill, North Carolina. As of the latest update, he was reported to be “awake and talking”, though the full extent