Man on fire ran into Tacoma street, causing traffic collision

A 32-year-old man lit himself on fire and ran into a Tacoma street Friday, severely injuring himself and causing a traffic accident, police said.

The man, who was not identified, was taken to Harborview Medical Center in Seattle. He was listed in critical condition.

It was about 7 p.m. when he bolted into the middle of North Pearl Street near North 42nd Street, and several people rushed to extinguish him.

His belongings were found in a nearby alley, and family members said he suffered possible mental illness, leading officials to believe the man was trying to commit suicide by self-immolation.

Nobody was injured in the collision that took place when two drivers tried to avoid hitting the man.

This story was originally published January 19, 2019 at 12:13 PM.