A Man in His 70s Sets Fire to Woman Who Reported Him After Being Investigated for Stalking Charges

Past Record of Punishment for Violation of the Stalking Punishment Act

[Asia Economy Reporter Gong Byung-sun] A man in his 70s who doused himself and a woman who reported him with gasoline and set them on fire was arrested by the police while being investigated for stalking charges.

On the 8th, the Dobong Police Station in Seoul announced that they had arrested a man in his 70s, Mr. A, on charges of arson and manslaughter.

According to the police, Mr. A is suspected of setting fire to himself and the victim, Ms. B, at around 6:32 p.m. the previous day in Chang-dong, Dobong-gu, Seoul. Mr. A reportedly visited Ms. B’s store in Chang-dong and poured about 500mL of gasoline on both their bodies before setting them on fire.

Five market merchants who witnessed the incident immediately reported it to the police. The police arrived at the scene at around 6:37 p.m. and promptly arrested Mr. A. Ms. B suffered first-degree burns but her life is not in danger, while Mr. A sustained third-degree burns and is in critical condition.

It is presumed that Mr. A committed arson in retaliation for Ms. B reporting him on stalking charges. Mr. A had previously been punished under the Stalking Punishment Act after repeatedly visiting Ms. B in July, and this is considered a repeat offense under the same charges.

Ms. B reported Mr. A for stalking on the 30th of last month and again on the 5th after he visited her and caused her anxiety. She was scheduled to undergo her first police investigation related to stalking next week. However, according to the police, Ms. B did not apply for safety measures (personal protection).

A police official stated, "We have not yet been able to take statements as the victim and suspect have not recovered," and added, "We will ascertain the exact circumstances of the incident."