Virginia councilman set on fire in personal attack at his office: Police

(DANVILLE, Va.) — A Virginia councilman was set on fire in an apparent personal attack on Wednesday, authorities said.

The suspect, Shotsie Michael Buck Hayes, allegedly confronted Danville City Councilman Lee Vogler, 38, at his office, at Showcase Magazine, and covered him with a flammable liquid, the Danville Police Department said. Both went outside where Hayes allegedly set Vogler on fire, police said.

Vogler has been taken to a hospital in unknown condition, police said. Showcase Magazine said he sustained “serious burn injuries.”

Hayes, 29, of Danville, is in custody, police said. The suspect allegedly fled the scene and was then stopped by officers a few blocks away, police said.

It appears Vogler and Hayes know each other “and the attack stems from a personal matter not related to the victim’s position on Danville City Council or any other political affiliation,” police said.

Vogler, who was elected to the city council in 2012 at the age of 24, also works as the director of sales at Showcase Magazine, where he was attacked.

“We are deeply shocked and saddened by this act of violence,” Showcase Magazine said in a statement. “Our thoughts and prayers are with Lee and his family as he receives medical care. The Showcase Magazine team is fully cooperating with law enforcement as they continue their investigation.”

Hayes has been charged with attempted first-degree murder and aggravated malicious wounding, police said.

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