HIALEAH, FLA. (WSVN) - Hialeah Police are searching for a man who, they said, set his pregnant girlfriend on fire, Thursday morning.
According to Hialeah Police, 32-year-old Noel Grullon doused his girlfriend with gasoline and lit her on fire, causing second degree burns to her upper torso area.
Police said the incident began with an argument between Grullon and the victim. The victim went outside to calm down, and upon her return to the home, she was attacked.
“They start arguing over silly matters. I think over a pack of cigarettes or something,” said Hialeah Police Sgt. Carl Zogby. “She runs to the bathroom quickly, takes her shirt off and jumps into the shower, is able to extinguish this fire, but still, she got second degree burns all over her chest and her neck.”
The victim is currently being treated for her injuries.
Police said the couple has only been together for about six months. Police also said the victim’s children, a 1-year-old and a 4-year-old, were present at the time, and the victim was also pregnant with Grullon’s child.
According to officials, Grullon fled the scene in his 2007 black Ford pickup truck, with the Florida tag HVDE62. He has also been known to use the alias Noel Castro.
Police say Grullon is currently on probation after serving a 12-year prison term. He has previously been charged with several violent crimes such as armed robbery, kidnapping and aggravated battery.
“Now, we’re looking for him, and we’re going to take him off the streets again,” Zogby said.
This crime is so disturbing that many neighbors wouldn’t even speak to 7News cameras.
“It could happen to anyone. If he’s enraged enough to set his girlfriend on fire, what is he going to do to the neighbors?” asked a neighbor who didn’t want her face shown.
If you have any information on this man’s whereabouts, call Miami-Dade Crime Stoppers at 305-471-TIPS. Remember, you can always remain anonymous, and you may be eligible for a $1,000 reward.
Copyright 2024 Sunbeam Television Corp. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed.