Woman set on fire, man arrested in Porterville

PORTERVILLE, Calif (KSEE/KGPE) – A man has been arrested after injuring a woman he set on fire, the Tulare County Sheriff’s Office said.

Deputies were dispatched to the 24100 block of Avenue 120 for a medical aid on Friday evening, just before 5:30 p.m.

They arrived to find a woman suffering from severe burns to her arms, torso, and face.

Investigators said they were able to identify the suspect as 42-year-old Sean Hofmann.

Through their investigation, they learned that he intentionally poured a highly-flammable accelerant on or near her, catching her on fire.

The woman was airlifted to an area hospital and is listed in stable condition.

Hofmann was arrested and booked into the South County Detention Facility on suspicion of one count of arson and one count of aggravated assault.

His bond was set at $1 million, and he is expected to be in court on Tuesday afternoon.

Anyone with information regarding this case is asked to contact Detective Javier Montoya at (559)733-6218.