Update: Victim set on fire during argument identified

HOT SPRINGS, AR - Police have identified a man who was set on fire during an argument in the parking lot of the McDonalds at 1214 Albert Pike Tuesday night.

Officers responded to shots fired and a man on fire shortly after midnight. Upon arrival they found several Garland County Deputies in the 100 block of Cooper Street with 21-year-old Edmund Ray Morris of Hot Springs suffering from burns to his body and another man, 20-year-old Phillip Pollet.

As police arrived, they say a 2003 Hyundai Tiburon sped away from the scene. Police stopped the car and detained the driver, 21-year-old Aaron Stapleton.

Detectives discovered that Stapleton and Pollet have been involved in an ongoing argument since July and agreed to meet at McDonalds to discuss their issues. When the men, including Pollet’s friend, arrived, Stapleton allegedly threw a flammable liquid at Morris. Investigators say Morris then attempted to hit Stapleton who threw a lit cigarette lighter in his direction, causing the liquid to ignite.

As Pollet and Morris attempted to extinguish the flames, an off-duty Garland County deputy arrived and saw a large object on fire. As the deputy approached, he said he heard gun shots coming from the back of McDonalds.

As the deputy radioed for back-up he saw two men on Cooper Street. The deputy ran after the men and found Morris lying down with burns to his body and Pollet further up the street.

Stapleton was arrested and has been charged with 1st Degree Battery.

Morris was transported to a Memphis hospital for treatment. He is listed in critical condition.