MAN SEVERELY BURNED IN SUICIDE ATTEMPT AT BURNING LAKESIDE HOME

June 21, 2011 (Lakeside) Updated 2:25 p.m. – A man has suffered second and third degree burns over 70% of his body in an apparent suicide attempt, according to Sgt. Everard Dayrit with the San Diego Sheriff’s Department.

Emergency personnel were called to a report of an explosion at a modular home in the 12000 block of Lakeside Court at 7:20 this morning, where firefighters found the man suffering burns to his face and upper body after the blaze was doused.

Detectives from the Sheriff’s Bomb/Arson unit investigated and determined that the man, who has not yet been identified, tried to kill himself by igniting gas vapors at the home.

"He used a gas line from the stove to fill up his residence and at some point a spark was introduced," Sgt. Dayrit told East County Magazine. He confirmed that the Bomb-Arson Unit has solid evidence indicating the tragedy resulted from a suicide attempt, not an accident.

The victim is approximately 34 years old and lived in a trailer on the property, which has another residence, according to Dayrit.  Despite the property damage he indicated that filing charges is not likely since it was a suicide attempt.

The burned man was treated at the scene for his injuries, then taken by ambulance to UCSD Hospital's burn unit.