Gasoline-Soaked Man Crashes SUV Into DC Building

Gasoline-Soaked Man Crashes SUV Into DC Building

A mentally ill Maryland man soaked in gasoline crashed an SUV into the Washington Square building in downtown Washington DC early Friday evening just after rush hour.

The SUV, which was also drenched in gasoline, was reportedly stolen and also contained a gasoline container in the back seat.

Eye witnesses to the crash say the man was removed from the car, strapped to a stretcher for medical examination and then wheeled to a police cruiser nearby.  Witnesses say the man was belligerent and shouting as he was transported to the police cruiser and had to be detained by police in addition to the restraints on the stretcher.

A Maryland man was charged Saturday with arson and destruction of property a day after police said he crashed a Jeep into the lobby of a downtown Washington office building, touching off fears of a potential terrorist attack.

The FBI’s Joint Terrorism Task Force was called to the scene Friday evening, but D.C. police Chief Cathy L. Lanier said Saturday that indications were that the driver’s “motive was not a terrorist motive.”

Charles Morrell Ball, 32, of Frederick County was charged with three felonies — arson, destruction of property and unauthorized use of a vehicle — police spokeswoman Tisha Gant said.

Lanier said it appeared that the driver had acted alone.

Summertime always brings out the crazies.  SMH.  Check the gallery for exclusive photos from the crash site.

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