Maryland State Police obtained an arrest warrant for a Grasonville man who allegedly ignited gasoline that he had pumped into the car where his wife was seated, causing an explosion and fire. The arrest warrant charges Pernell Clanton Jr., 47, with attempted first- and second-degree murder, first- and second-degree assault, reckless endangerment, first-degree malicious burning, first- and second-degree arson and two counts of malicious destruction of property over $500. The warrant is expected to be served on him upon his release from Bayview Hospital in Baltimore.

Troopers from the Maryland State Police Centreville Barrack were sent to the 100-block of Main Street in Stevensville for a report of an explosion and fire at a convenience store. Yolanda Clanton, 43, told police that Pernell Clanton Jr. asked her to pick him up from a local bar. She said that she and Pernell Clanton Jr. had been living together until recently, when they became estranged and she began staying with a relative. While Yolanda Clanton sat in the driver’s seat, Pernell Clanton Jr. removed the pump nozzle from the gas tank and began pumping gas into the car’s interior through an open rear window.

Pernell Clanton Jr. used a lighter to ignite the gasoline inside the car, which caused an explosion just as Yolanda Clanton exited the car. Fire crews from the Stevensville Volunteer Fire Department responded and extinguished the fire, which completely burned the car, but did not affect the gas pumps or the store building. Pernell Clanton Jr. was taken to the Centreville Barrack and examined by EMS personnel who determined that he should be taken to the hospital.

Pernell Clanton Jr. is under guard by state troopers at Bayview Hospital; his condition was not available at press time. Yolanda Clanton suffered burns to her face and arm and refused treatment at the scene. According to the press release, she later sought treatment.