DeLAND, Fla. — A 39-year-old woman was critically injured Sunday evening when the vehicle she was in was set on fire, the DeLand Police Department said.
The blaze was reported shortly after 8:30 p.m. on West Volusia Avenue near South Florida Avenue, city of DeLand spokesman Chris Graham said.
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Tracy Adams, whose face and arms were burned, was flown to Orlando Regional Medical Center, where she remains in critical condition, Graham said.
Police said Adams ran into a home and shouted that someone had tried to kill her. Part of the home's exterior was damaged by fire.
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"At this time, it is believed the fire was started intentionally by someone else," Graham said. "It is believed an accelerant was used to ignite a vehicle while the victim was inside."
Police continue to search for the 49-year-old suspect, but they haven't released his identity. Investigators said it's unknown how the two know one another.
"This is a despicable act," Graham said. "We want to make sure we get this person in custody."
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Adams' daughter told Channel 9 that her mother was so badly injured that doctors wouldn't allow her to visit her mother Sunday night.
The fire remains under investigation.
No other details were given.