DANVILLE, Va. (WDBJ) – A Danville man is facing serious charges after allegedly setting a city councilman on fire in a shocking attack that occurred on Wednesday, July 30.
According to Danville Police, 29-year-old Shotsie Michael Buck Hayes was arrested and charged with attempted first-degree murder and aggravated malicious wounding. The victim, Councilman J. Lee Vogler, remains hospitalized. His current condition has not been publicly disclosed.
The incident happened around 11:30 a.m. in the 700 block of Main Street, where Vogler works at Showcase Magazine. Police say Hayes entered the office, confronted Vogler, and doused him with a flammable liquid. Both men exited the building, and Hayes allegedly ignited the substance, setting Vogler on fire.
Witnesses provided critical information, and Hayes was arrested shortly after during a traffic stop.
Police confirmed that the attack was not politically motivated, but instead arose from a personal dispute between the suspect and the victim.
