A 50-year-old Wesley Chapel resident is in critical condition at a local hospital. He was severely burned this (Monday) morning after he allegedly attempted to douse his wife with gasoline.

According to the Hillsborough County Sheriff’s Office, Matthew Wong, of Wesley Chapel, was admitted to Tampa General Hospital in critical condition. He was reportedly burned after being splashed by gasoline.

Shortly before 7 a.m., Monday, police were called to the 12400 block of Orange Grove Drive, in reference to a domestic altercation. Upon the arrival of deputies, they discovered Wong critically burned. He was airlifted to Tampa General Hospital.

The investigation revealed that Wong arrived at the apartment complex where his estranged wife, Mrs. Gloria Davis Wong, lived. Wong was reportedly driving a rented vehicle. Garbage bags had been taped to the windows and a blanket covered the rear window, police said.

Mrs. Wong told police that she observed her husband coming toward her as she attempted to get into her vehicle. He reportedly began chasing her while carrying two bottles containing what was later identified as gasoline.

Mrs. Wong ran and began screaming as her husband allegedly attempted to throw gasoline on her. However, the backsplash caused the gasoline to fall on Wong, police said.

A neighbor heard Mrs. Wong’s screams and opened the door for her, but denied her husband entry. Wong is alleged to have then begun splashing the gasoline on to the apartment and set the fire. However, his clothing ignited because of the backsplash, police said.

Neighbors extinguished the flames with a fire extinguisher and blankets, but he was critically injured. Mrs. Wong, 48, was not hurt, police said.

During a search of the rented vehicle, police found duct tape, gloves, and two gallon gasoline cans. Police said the couple has been married for 25 years and separated in October. They are the parents of two adult sons.

Wong lives in Pasco County and Mrs. Wong lives in Hillsborough County.