Tuscaloosa man set on fire while hiking Appalachian Trail

A Tuscaloosa man was intentionally set on fire while hiking the Appalachian Trail. Gettysburg police won't release the victim's name and they will only confirm he is 46.

Police say the man was hiking and stopped in Gettysburg to get more supplies. They say he was walking down Baltimore Street when a blue car passed him. People inside the car began yelling at the man, saying something about him being homeless so the man yelled back.

That's when police say the car turned around and caught up with the man. Two men jumped out of the car. One poured a cup full of liquid on the man; another threw a lit match at the man, setting him on fire.

The victim has second and third degree burns on his hands, arms, face, and scalp.

Some people at a nearby business helped the burning man get to Gettysburg Hospital. People in that community are outraged.

"It's another thing of what's the point? Why be a savage that way? Some guy just walking down the street just passing through thinking, 'Hey I'm in Gettysburg and that happened to him.'  It's like what's next?" said John Lucas.

The victim has been released from the hospital. His clothing and backpack were damaged and sent to the state's crime lab. Investigators are also reviewing surveillance video from nearby cameras.

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