MINNEAPOLIS — A Minneapolis man accused of setting fire to a tent housing a double amputee is now facing felony charges in connection with the incident, including attempted murder.
Hennepin County court records show 33-year-old Anthony Leikas has been charged with first-degree assault and attempted murder after prosecutors claim he started a man's tent on fire with him inside, causing severe burns to 85-90% of his body. In the complaint filed Friday, officials said the victim is "unlikely to survive."
According to the county attorney's office, Minneapolis police officers responded to the area of Glenwood Avenue and Twins Way just before 1 a.m. on Dec. 5. When they arrived, prosecutors said they located the burn victim, a double amputee, lying on the ground with "obvious, severe burns." Before he was taken to the hospital for treatment, the complaint said he told officers that someone set his tent on fire and he had "been burning for an extended period of time."
The victim also told officers he heard the alleged fire-starter say, "Burn in hell," as the tent went up in flames.
Authorities arrested Leikas after surveillance video from a nearby gas station helped police accurately identify him. While in custody, Leikas first denied his involvement. However, the complaint goes on to say that when confronted by images obtained by the gas station, Leikas allegedly admitted to standing near the fire and watching it burn, but claimed two other people had started the fire with cigarette butts.
The complaint said the victim remains hospitalized and in critical condition as of Friday afternoon.
Leikas had his first court hearing on Friday, where a judge set his bail at $500,000 without conditions. He remains in custody at the Hennepin County Jail.
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