A Virginia city councilman was allegedly doused in gasoline and set on fire at his workplace Wednesday, according to local police.

Danville City Councilman Lee Vogler was attacked while working in Showcase Magazine’s office in Danville, the Danville Police Department (DPD) said in a Facebook news release.

“Based on witness information provided to officers at the scene, the suspect entered into the victim’s place of employment, confronted him and doused him with a flammable liquid,” the press release said.

The Danville Police Department is investigating after a male was set on fire Wednesday, July 30. https://t.co/fJEwWSpSdc

— Danville VA Police (@DanvilleVAPD) July 30, 2025

Thirty-eight-year-old Vogler is the Director of Sales for Showcase Magazine, a southwest Virginia lifestyle publication.

In a video posted to Facebook, Showcase Magazine owner and publisher Andrew Brooks said the suspect allegedly used a five gallon bucket to pour gasoline on Vogler in the attack. (RELATED: Illegal Migrant Accused Of Burning Sleeping Woman Alive Pleads Not Guilty)

After allegedly being soaked in gasoline, Vogler fled outside and the suspect — who police identified as 29-year-old Shotsie Michael Buck Hayes — reportedly followed. Hayes allegedly set Vogler on fire before fleeing the scene.

Witnesses provided information that allowed police to quickly capture Hayes blocks away from the scene of the incident. DPD said officers took Hayes into custody without complications.

Vogler reportedly sustained “serious burn injuries,” but according to Brooks, he was “awake and talking” as he was airlifted to the burn treatment center in Lynchburg, Virginia.

“We are deeply shocked and saddened by this act of violence,” Showcase Magazine said in a statement, according to ABC News. “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.”

The two men allegedly knew each other prior to the altercation, and police said the attack “stems from a personal matter not related to the victim’s position on Danville City Council or any other political affiliation.”

“This type of senseless act of violence has to stop,” Brooks said. “You do not have the right as a human being to get upset with someone enough to lash out and attempt to harm them in any way, much less this way.”

The incident is still under investigation.