Police: Man Sets Self on Fire in Columbia in Apparent Suicide Attempt

Police say a man set himself on fire in public in Columbia on Tuesday afternoon in what they believe was a suicide attempt.

The man was standing at about 3:30 p.m. near the intersection of Harpers Farm Road and Cedar Lane when he set fire to his clothing, police said.

A police officer who was nearby saw the man ablaze and ran to his rescue. The officer also called for firefighters and medical help.

The man was flown to the Johns Hopkins Bayview Medical Center. He was listed in critical condition, according to police, who say the man's identity will not be released to the public.

There were no other injuries reported, police said. Nearby roads have been closed while police continue their investigation.

A similar suicide attempt occurred in Columbia in February. crossing over Little Patuxent Parkway in downtown Columbia. Police did not know that man's condition or whether he survived.