Police arrest man accused of setting Denny’s customer ablaze

PORTLAND – Police arrested a 24-year-old man who they believe set a customer on fire at a Denny’s restaurant near Portland.

The Clackamas County Sheriff’s Office said Friday that Deshaun Swanger, of Milwaukie, Oregon, was booked into jail on a charge of attempted murder.

The incident happened Wednesday night, shortly after a young man entered the restaurant and sat in booth adjacent to the victim. Police said surveillance video showed the man douse the victim with gasoline and toss a lit match.

Deputies arrested Swanger after getting a tip from one of his neighbors. They said he was living in transitional housing with about 18 people.

The 69-year-old victim is in critical condition at a Portland hospital. His family identified him as Scott Ranstrom. They said in a GoFundMe page he has burns on his face and body.