A Horrific Crime in Virginia: Local Official Set on Fire in His Office

Virginia Police

A Horrific Crime in Virginia: Local Official Set on Fire in His Office

A man set fire to a Virginia city council member after breaking into his office at a local magazine, according to US police. Authorities said investigators believe the attack stemmed from a "personal matter" and was unrelated to the victim's political activism or work as a city council member.

The victim is Lee Vogler, 38, an elected official in Danville, Virginia. Police said the suspect entered Vogler's office, where he works at a local magazine, confronted him directly, and then poured a flammable liquid over him. Vogler's condition was not immediately known, and police have taken the suspect into custody.

The suspect, Shotsie Michael "Buck" Hayes of Danville, has been charged with attempted first-degree murder and aggravated assault. Vogler was taken to the burn unit at a hospital in Chapel Hill, North Carolina, his father, Jack Vogler, told the Associated Press. UNC Health declined to comment on Vogler's condition Wednesday afternoon.