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Woman set on fire while sleeping on L.A. park bench

By The Associated Press
A burned city bus bench seen in the Van Nuys section of Los Angeles on Thursday Dec. 27,2012 after police arrested a man for allegedly setting a 67-year-old woman on fire who was sleeping on the bus stop bench. Authorities said the man, who is in his 20s, was arrested early Thursday. Police said the attack occurred shortly after 1 a.m. outside a drug store. A witness said he saw a man come out of the store and pour something on the woman who had been sleeping on a bench before striking a match and setting her ablaze. The woman, who may be homeless, was taken to a hospital and listed in critical condition. (AP Photo/Greg Risling)

LOS ANGELES -- Los Angeles police have arrested a man for allegedly setting a 67-year-old woman on fire as she was sleeping on a bus bench.

Authorities say the man, who is in his 20s, was arrested Thursday. His name was not immediately released.

Police say the attack occurred shortly after midnight outside a drugstore. A witness said he saw a man come out of the store and pour something on the woman before striking a match and setting her ablaze.

The woman, who may be homeless, was taken to a hospital and listed in critical condition.

Last week, a 55-year-old man was set on fire as he slept outside a doughnut shop in southern Los Angeles County. No one has been arrested.