Danville city councilman Lee Vogler set on fire after suspect broke into office and poured 5-gallon can of gas onto him
Lee Vogler, a 38-year-old lawmaker, was transported to a burn center after he was assaulted in his office in downtown Danville on Wednesday morning.
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The suspect, identified as Shotsie Michael Buck Hayes, broke into Vogler's office located in the Professional Building while hauling a 5-gallon container of gasoline, Danville Police said.
Hayes, 29, poured the flammable liquid on Vogler, who attempted to escape the deranged suspect, but was unsuccessful.
Hayes chased Vogler out of the building and proceeded to light the lawmaker on fire.
Danville police and fire officials arrived at the scene at around 11:30 am and assisted Vogler, who was transported to a burn center.
The extent of the legislator's injuries are unknown.
Authorities said Hayes fled the scene but was quickly arrested several blocks from where the incident occurred.
Danville police said Hayes and Vogler are known to each other, and the attack was not politically motivated.
"The attack stems from a personal matter not related to the victim's position on Danville City Council or any political affiliation," police said.
Andrew Brooks, the publisher and owner of Showcase Magazine, witnessed parts of the attack and confirmed Vogler was "awake and talking" as he was being transported to a burn center in Lynchburg.
"This type of senseless act of violence has to stop," Brooks said in a video posted on Facebook.
"You do not have the right as a human being to get upset with someone enough to lash out and attempt to harm them in any way, much less this way."
Vogler was first elected to the Danville City Council in May 2012.
At the time, Vogler was 24 years old, becoming the youngest person ever elected to the position.
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