Police Seek 3 Men Accused Of Lighting Sleeping Ventura Homeless Man On Fire

VENTURA (CBSLA.com) — Police sought the public's help on Sunday in locating three men accused of attempting to kill a homeless man near the beach last night.

According to the Ventura Police Department, officers received a call around 10:59 p.m. Saturday from a Good Samaritan who reported he came across an adult man who had been lit on fire in the area of South Seaward Avenue at the beach.

Once on scene, officials located 58-year-old John Frazier suffering from significant burns. Some of his personal items were still smoldering, police explained.

According to police, the caller explained the flames were burning about five to six feet high on Frazier's entire upper torso. He reportedly used sand to extinguish the fire before calling 911.

A preliminary investigation revealed Frazier was sleeping in his sleeping bag, with his backpack next to him, on the sand side of the retaining wall at South Seaward Avenue and the beach.

He was awoken by three males who poured lighter fluid on him, and proceeded to then light Frazier on fire.

Authorities said Frazier was admitted to Community Memorial Hospital, and was then transported to a burn unit at USC Medical Center for treatment of second and third degree burns to his upper torso and face.

According to officials, Frazier is currently suffering from burns up to 40 percent of his extremities and torso, however, he is expected to survive.

Detectives described the suspects as three white males with shaved heads that were dressed in dark clothing. The suspects are believed to be in their late teens or early 20s.

The investigation is ongoing.

KCAL9's Greg Mills spoke to nearby residents who were horrified that people could be so vicious.

"I'm horrified," said Joy Raffa who said the incident makes her a little more nervous about coming to the beach.

"Not during the day," she said, "I would never come down at night now."

Anyone with information is urged to contact the Ventura Police Department at (805) 339-4309.