Published: June 08, 2009 10:33 pm      

Waurika man sets fire to person

Black faces 35 years in prison

WAURIKA — A Waurika man was charged in Jefferson County District Court Friday with arson in the first degree after he allegedly set fire to another person.

If he is convicted on the charge, Scott Allen Black, 51, could face up to 35 years in prison.

Bail was set at $100,000 Friday.

Black awaits his next day in court, which is set for July 7.

The victim of the incident remained in critical condition Monday afternoon at the Oklahoma City Integris Burn Center with 19 percent of the body covered in second and third degree burns, said Daniel Smith, one of the burn center’s house administrative supervisor.

After Waurika Police Chief Earnest Tolle arrived on scene Thursday evening to investigate the incident, he requested Oklahoma State Bureau of Investigation (OSBI) come and handle the case.

OSBI Public Information Officer Jessica Brown said that Black was having a dispute with the victim.

“At some point and time during the argument, Black poured gas on [the victim],” Brown said.

Black then set the victim on fire, Brown added.

“But he did help extinguish the fire,” she said.

Black suffered minor burns as well and was transported to Waurika Hospital. After being treated and released for burns to his left hand, right wrist and a chemical burn to his left thigh, Black was arrested and transported to Jefferson County Jail.

According to the affidavit prepared by OSBI Agent Morris Stewart, during the argument, the victim picked up a gas can and poured it onto a backpack. Black then allegedly told the victim “If we are going to do this, let’s do it right.”

According to the affidavit, after Black said those words, he allegedly poured gas over the victim’s head and lit a cigarette lighter.