A Trumann man is in custody after authorities say he used a blowtorch to set a coworker on fire at a Poinsett County business.
Thirty-seven-year-old Joshua Warren Campbell is facing a charge of first-degree battery. A judge found probable cause for his arrest Monday.
According to the affidavit filed by the Poinsett County Sheriff’s Office, the incident occurred March 23 at Metal Man Recycling.
Investigators allege Campbell used a metal-cutting blowtorch to set the victim on fire.
The victim suffered second- and third-degree burns to his back that required a skin graft. He also sustained a fractured rib and bruising to his leg after falling to the ground.
During an interview with authorities, the victim said he had learned Campbell and another employee had discussed attacking him prior to the incident.
A witness later provided video to investigators in which Campbell allegedly admitted to intentionally burning the victim. The witness told authorities he initially believed the victim was dead after seeing him lying on the floor with severe burns.
According to the affidavit, Campbell is heard in the video saying the victim owed money connected to a moped and also expressed regret about what had happened.
Campbell was booked into the Poinsett County Detention Center on April 20.
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