Police believe DeLand car fire that critically injured woman was intentionally set

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.

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.

"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."

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.

Cox Media Group