Teen Using Lighter To Look In Gas Tank Burned - Denver News Story - KMGH Denver

Denver News

Teen Using Lighter To Look In Gas Tank Burned
Teen Facing Charges Of Arson, Theft, Trespassing
Deb Stanley, 7NEWS Producer

POSTED: 10:51 am MDT May 5, 2008
UPDATED: 11:34 am MDT May 5, 2008


GRAND JUNCTION, Colo. -- An 18-year-old man went to the hospital after he was burned trying to steal gas, according to published reports.

The man peered into a portable gas tank with a cigarette lighter "to see how full it was" the Grand Junction Daily Sentinel reported.

The fumes ignited, and his clothes caught on fire. He had burns on his hands.

Officials said the teenager and a 19-year-old accomplice apparently were stealing gas from a boat and a four-wheeler in Fruitvale.

Both teens were given summonses on suspicion of fourth-degree arson, theft and trespassing.